East County
GROSSMONT COLLEGE BASEBALL -- 2008
 

And the beat goes on

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (8-18-08) -- The list continues to grow of Grossmont College baseball players receiving scholarships with a trio of late summer additions.

Former West Hills High pitcher AARON RICHARDSON collected an offer from West Texas A&M.

Meanwhile, second baseman NICK SPEARS will join former Griffins catcher MATT POWELL, who saw his scholarship not renewed when a new coaching staff took over at national power Cal State Fullerton, both accepting offers from Southern Nazarene in Oklahoma.

Scholarship announcements

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-21-08/REVISED 6-27-08) -- Nine members of the Grossmont College baseball team earned scholarships to 4-year colleges and universities, Griffins head coach RANDY ABSHIER announced.

Heading the list is right-handed pitcher BRYAN LONGPRE, a former San Diego State prospect who bounced back at Grossmont, yet re-emerges at the NCAA Division I level at Cal State Northridge. This past season, Longpre led all Pacific Coast Conference pitchers in strikeouts in conference play.

Also gaining a Division I scholarship is second basemen TONY JUSINO, who will play for Temple University in Philadelphia. Jusino was a two-year starter and two-time Pacific Coast Conference honorable mention selection.

ROSS BLONDIN, a first-team, All-PCC performer, is headed for one of the nation's top NAIA programs a Lubbock Christian. Blondin finished 7th in conference batting at .358, leading the circuit with 47 RBI.

A pair of Griffins are headed for William Penn University, in GARRETT JENNER (Steele Canyon) and catcher DAVID RUIZ (Coconino HS/Flagstaff, Ariz.).

Two pitchers are ticketed for CSU San Bernardino in left-hander KEVIN McCLAUGHRY and right-hander GARRETT NELSON. McClaughry ranked third in the PCC with a 2.75 earned-run average while posting a 5-4 record.

In addition, left fielder JOSH MILLER will play for CSU San Marcos. Following a slow start, the designated hitter posted a 9-game hitting streak -- 11 straight in starts -- during the second half of the season, finishing with a .292 average (.357 to close the season.

Earlier announced was a trip to Texas A&M Kingsville for centerfielder CLIFTON THOMAS (El Cajon Valley), while 2007 pitcher CAMERON SELIK, who just started pitching again following a layoff of more than a year due to "Tommy John" elbow surgery, posted a successful outing for the semipro Barona Stars to open the door to accept a full-ride to the Univiersity of Kansas.

Griffin Graffiti -- Among the honorees on the Missouri Valley all-academic team is former Grossmont standout JOSH MAZZOLA, a senior at Missouri State, who posted a 3.61 grade-point average while majoring in communications.


Olsen Inducted
During the state baseball championships in Fresno,
former Grossmont College head coach Ed Olsen
(top photo, on left) is officially inducted into the
CCCAA Hall of Fame. Current Griffins head coach
Randy Abshier (bottom) introduced Olsen during
ceremonies held at Fresno City College (May 23).
(Photos by Russ Scoffin/Southwestern College)

2008 ALL-PACIFIC COAST CONFERENCE TEAM
(Selected by coaches)

Infielders -- Mitch Blackburn (Palomar), ROSS BLONDIN (Grossmont), Adrian Bringas (Southwestern), Marshal Harvey (San Diego City), Omar Miramontes (Southwestern), Tyler Saladino (Palomar).
First Basemen – Anthony Lopez (San Diego Mesa), Edgar Molina (Southwestern), Guy Willeford (Palomar).
Outfielders -- Jon Bernetskie (San Diego City), Tre Dennis (South-western), Ryan Dew (San Diego City), Jared Jordan (Southwestern), Eric Rodriguez (Palomar).
Catchers –- TRAVIS TAIJERON (Grossmont), Zack Larson (San Diego Mesa).
Designated Hitter -- Ryan Fariss (Southwestern).
Pitchers -- Jorge Dryjanski (Southwestern), Daniel Stenavich (Southwestern), Lucas Whitmore (San Diego City).
Relief Pitcher -- Kegan Sharp (Palomar).
Coach of the Year – Jerry Bartow, Southwestern.

Honorable Mention
Grossmont
– Infielder Tony Jusino, infielder Nick Spears, outfielder Joe Inzone, Pitcher Darren Gay, pitcher Bryan Longpre, pitcher Garrett Russell, outfielder Josh Miller, pitcher Kevin McClaughry;
Southwestern – Pitcher Lucas Sanford, pitcher Eric Krause, pitcher Bryan Flint, infielder Omar Manzanarez; Palomar -- Pitcher Bobby Shore, pitcher Matt Strom, pitcher Sam Jew, catcher Jason Laws, third baseman Colby Ho; SDCC – Infielder Anthony Long, pitcher Goldy Simmons, pitcher Dustin Mercadante, pitcher Ashkon Kahualua; Mesa – Infielder Zach Tanida; infielder Eli Tupuola, pitcher Chad Blauer; Imperial Valley – Pitcher Sergio Panela Jr., pitcher Luis Liera, pitcher Brandon Angulo, inf. Anthony Velasco.


May 1: Southwestern at Grossmont College;
Former Griffins head coach Ed Olsen is honored
for his induction into the COA Hall of Fame.
Olson will be formally inducted May 23 in Fresno.
(Photos by Russ Scoffin)
Grossmont closes season,
top PCC champion Jaguars

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-2-08) -- A season which left a bit of a sour taste at least ended in an upbeat fashion.

On a day when former Grossmont College coach ED OLSEN was honored for his upcoming induction into the California Community College Hall of Fame, the Griffins responded smartly by downing Pacific Coast Conference champion Southwestern, 9-6, at Noel Mickelsen Field.

"Winning the last game is always important -- it's something you think about all summer," said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. "Now you're itching to get back in August with the fall league and get ready for another season."

Right-fielder JOE INZONE might have fell about two feet short of a cycle with a deep blast to the wall in the 8th inning, but it was his RBI double in the 7th which broke a 4-4 tie, as Grossmont scored four times to win for the 7th time in its last 10 home games.

While Inzone's shot into the right-field corner gained the lead, some even bigger hits were soon to follow.

Southwestern, playing without head coach Jerry Bartow following his ejection in the teams' contest on Tuesday, elected to walk TONY JUSINO to face DAVID RUIZ. However, the impression teams have about the diminutive catcher again failed miserably.

"Ruiz clutched up again after the walk to get the right-hander vs. right-hander situation," said Abshier. "He put the ball in play, which is all you need to do at this level, and got the clutch hit."

Ruiz lined a run-scoring single to left for a 7-5 lead to cap a 2-for-4 outing at the plate. First baseman GARRETT JENNER followed by driving in two more with a basehit to finish 2-for-4, 3-RBI performance.

"Ruiz, being a sophomore and being here two years, it was nice to see him get the two hits to finish up his career here," added Abshier. "Hopefully, we can get him a job (scholarship) somewhere."

Thurs., May 1
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 9, JAGUARS 6
Southwestern
32-11 (22-3 PCC)
Grossmont
20-20 (13-12 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi

Dennis cf
Goodin ph-cf
Jordan rf
Baldvz ph-rf
Bringas 3b
Norris ph-3b
Molina 1b
Crdro ph-1b
Miramnts ss
Fariss dh
Simpson dh
Comford c
Sanchez c
Wnmkr ph-c
Torres rf
Carties ph-rf
Shirk 2b

3 1 2 1
1 1 1 0
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
2 1 1 2
2 0 1 1
3 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
3 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
1 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 0 1

Worthy cf
Spears ss
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Miller lf
Inzone rf
Jusino 2b
Ruiz c
Jenner 1b

4 0 1 0
5 1 1 0
5 1 2 0
3 1 1 0
5 2 2 2
5 2 3 2
3 1 0 0
4 1 2 1
4 0 2 3

Totals
35 6 10 6
Totals
38 9 14 8
Southwestern
Grossmont
130 100 001 - 6 10 1
401 000 40x - 9 14 1

GWRBI-Inzone.
E-Jenner, Miramontes. LOB-SWC 6, GC 9. 2B-Dennis, Miller, Inzone. 3B-Inzone. HR-Bringas (8), 4th, solo. SB-Dennis, Worthy, Goodin. CS-Miramontes. SF-Shirk, Bringas.

Southwestern
Stenavich
Davis
Martinez L
Burer
Grossmont
Swan
Gay
Richardson
McLaughry W,6-4
Wiley
Orozco

ip
1.0
5.1
0.1
1.1

1.1
3.2
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

h
4
5
4
1

4
3
1
1
0
1

r
4
1
4
0

4
1
0
0
0
1

er
4
1
4
0

4
1
0
0
0
1
bb
1
1
1
1

1
0
0
0
0
0
so
1
0
0
0

0
1
1
1
1
1
HBP-by Gay (Jordan), by Orozco (Goodin). WP-Swan. BK-Orozco. PB-Comford.
T-2:41.
"It was nice to see both those kids (Ruiz and Jenner), who had limited time this year, come off the bench as sophomores and do the job and help us win this ballgame."

Inzone's quest for a cycle began in the 1st, capping a 4-run rally with an RBI triple. He added a scratch single in the 3rd, then was given the opportunity to go for the cycle in the 8th. Inzone was handed a choice, high fastball, but the ball fell short of the barrier at one of the deepest points of the ballpark, despite the aid of a breeze blowing to right all day long.

After the Jaguars scored once in the first, a passed ball allowed Grossmont to tie the game, then JOSH MILLER slapped a 2-run single for the lead.

Southwestern eventually tied the game on a solo homer by Adrian Bringas in the 4th before Inzone collected his game-winner in the 7th, making a winner of relief pitcher KEVIN McLAUGHRY (6-4).

While the Jags (32-11, 22-3 PCC) are guaranteed a ticket to the COA state playoffs, Grossmont can take some consolation by finishing at the .500 mark at 20-20 overall with yet another first-division finish in the PCC standings (third at 13-12).

"Southwestern was the class of the conference and they deserved to be the champions," noted Abshier. "While with the team we had, perhaps we should've been better. Next year, we'll be young, but we'll have some pitchers coming back."

Griffin Graffiti -- In ceremonies featuring Abshier and Director of Athletics JIM SPILLERS, Olsen was presented a custom COA Hall of Fame letterman's jacket designed by Griffins assistant coach JOHN ENRIGHT of Berry’s Sporting Goods to acknowledge the veteran skipper’s accomplishments.


Tue., Apr. 29
Pacific Coast Conference
JAGUARS 8, GRIFFINS 6
Grossmont
19-20 (12-12 PCC)
Southwestern
32-10 (22-2 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Worthy cf
Jusino 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Miller lf
Spears ss
Inzone rf
Tenney 1b
Jenner dh

5 2 2 1
5 0 2 1
3 1 1 0
5 1 2 1
5 0 1 1
5 0 1 0
4 1 3 1
3 0 0 0
4 1 1 0

*Dennis cf
Manznrez 2b
Bringas 3b-p
Molina 1b
Miramntes ss
Norris 3b
Comford c
Sanchez c
Torres rf
Jordan lf
Fariss dh

3 1 0 1
3 1 1 0
3 0 1 2
4 0 2 0
3 2 1 0
2 1 0 0
3 2 1 1
0 0 0 0
3 1 1 2
3 0 1 1
0 0 0 0

Totals
39 6 13 5
Totals
27 8 7 7
*reached base on catcher's interference.
Grossmont
Southwestern
000 000 312 - 6 13 1
000 053 00x - 8 07 1

GWRBI-Comford.
E-Taijeron, Jordan . DP-GC 1, SW 1. LOB-GC 10, SW 5. 2B-Blondin, Taijeron, Inzone, Torres. 3B-Comford. SB-Blondin, Dennis, Manzanarez. S-Tenney.

Grossmont
Longpre L,1-4
TJones
Vega
Wiley
Orozco
Southwestern
Sanford
Flint W
Simpson
Krause
Bringas

ip
4.2
0.1
0.0
2.0
1.0

4.0
2.0
0.2
1.1
1.0

h
6
0
0
1
0

2
2
3
2
4

r
5
2
1
0
0

0
0
3
1
2

er
5
2
0
0
0

0
0
3
1
2
bb
2
1
1
1
0

1
1
0
0
1
so
1
0
0
0
0

1
1
0
0
2
Vega faced 3 batters in the 6th.
HBP-by Longpre (Manzanarez), by TJones (Fariss), by Vega 2 (Comford, Jordan), by Simpson (Inzone). PB-Taijeron 2. BK-Simpson.
It just wasn't 'fair' in Jags victory

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (4-30-08) — Pacific Coast Conference-champion Southwestern scored three runs without hitting a ball in fair territory in the 6th inning of Tuesday’s (Apr. 29) ballgame against visiting Grossmont College. It proved to be the difference.

The Jaguars (32-10, 22-2 PCC) built an 8-0 lead over the first six innings and then had to fight off a belated Griffins rally for an 8-6 victory. Grossmont (19-20, 12-12) left the bases-loaded in the 9th inning.

“Our middle relief pitching let us down,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “Giving away three runs like we did . . . you can’t do that and expect to beat a quality team like Southwestern.”

Already sitting on a 5-0 lead, the Jaguars parlayed two walks, three hit batters and a catcher’s interference into three more runs.

Grossmont scrambled back with a two-out rally for three runs in the 7th inning. TIM WORTHY and TONY JUSINO had RBI singles. The first run of the frame scored on a balk.

Back-to-back doubles by TRAVIS TAIJERON and JOE INZONE produced another run for Grossmont in the 8th.

Once again the Griffins cranked up a two-out rally in the 9th. Worthy singled with one out. ROSS BLONDIN drew a two-out walk. Taijeron and JOSH MILLER followed with RBI singles. NICK SPEARS kept the parade going with a single to load the bases, but that’s where the comeback crashed on a game-ending strike out.

The Griffins conclude the season on Thursday (May 1) when they host Southwestern at 2 p.m.


Sat., Apr. 26
Pacific Coast Conference
OLYMPIANS 5, GRIFFINS 4
Grossmont
19-19 (12-11 PCC)
San Diego Mesa
14-22 (10-13 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Stnecpher cf
Jenner rf
Spears ss
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Miller lf
Inzone dh
Tenney 1b
Jusino 2b
JMdden rf-cf

5 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
5 0 0 0
2 1 0 0
2 1 2 0
4 1 2 1
3 1 0 0
4 0 1 1
3 0 1 2
3 0 1 0

Boyer cf
Epperson 2b
Tupuola ss
Larson c
Lopez 1b
Tanida 3b
Crruesco dh
Emigh rf
Kleist lf

5 2 2 1
3 0 1 0
4 1 0 0
3 0 2 1
3 0 2 1
4 1 1 0
2 1 0 0
3 0 0 0
4 0 1 1

Totals
31 4 7 4
Totals
31 5 10 4
Grossmont
San Diego Mesa
000 040 000 - 4 07 1
200 011 01x - 5 10 0

GWRBI-Boyer.
E-Blondin. LOB-GC 13, Mesa 8. 2B-Blondin, Tenney. SB-Boyer. CS-Jusino, Boyer. S-Epperson, Carruesco. SF-Lopez.

Grossmont
Russell
McClaughry L,5-4
San Diego Mesa
Flores
Nematbaklsh
Peabody W,1-0
Wilhelm S

ip
6.0
3.0

4.1
1.2
2.0
1.0

h
7
3

4
2
0
1

r
4
1

4
0
0
0

er
2
1

4
0
0
0
bb
1
1

8
0
0
1
so
7
1

2
0
1
1
HBP-by Flores (Taijeron), by Russell (Emigh), by Nematbaklsh 2 (Tenney, Taijeron). WP-Russell, McClaughry, Flores.
Mesa nips Grossmont, 5-4

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (4-27-08) -- The buzz word for another narrow loss for Grossmont College was simple: disappointing.

"It was disappointing -- we left 13 runners on base," said Griffins coach RANDY ABSHIER. "Except for one inning, every time we played a runner in scoring position, we couldn't seem to buy a hit. Just plain disappointing."

Despite a 4-run rally in the 5th inning to overcome a 2-0 deficit, Grossmont failed to hold the lead in falling to San Diego Mesa, 5-4, in Saturday's (Apr. 26) Pacific Coast Conference ballgame at Mesa.

"We had the bases loaded in the 1st, runners at first and second in the 2nd and 3rd, then another runner at second in the 4th before we finally scored," Abshier rehashed. "Then it was two more runners in the 6th and two more in the 9th."

In each of the recounted at-bats, Grossmont had less than two outs, yet failed each time to deliver against four Olympians pitchers.

The only clutch hits came in the 5th to offset a pair of unearned runs by Mesa in the 1st.

Following walks to ROSS BLONDIN and TRAVIS TAIJERON, left-fielder JOSH MILLER came through with an RBI single.

JOE INZONE walked to load the bases, KEVIN TENNEY was hit by a pitch to force home the tying run, then TONY JUSINO followed with a 2-run basehit for a 4-2 Grossmont advantage.

However, Mesa chipped away with single runs in the 5th, 6th and 8th innings to retake the lead, capped by an RBI single to center by Mesa centerfielder Allen Boyer (who was later picked off at first base).

Grossmont starting pitcher GARRETT RUSSELL posted another solid performance, yielding only two earned runs in six innings. Russell left with a no-decision despite seven strikeouts and just a single walk.

Taijeron finished the 2-game series by going 4-for-4 (two hits in each contest) against Mesa to maintain his lead in the PCC batting race with two ballgames remaining. Taijeron was hit by a pitch twice and walked in his other three plate appearances.

The Granite Hills High product is now batting .395 for the season (.416 in PCC action).

The Griffins (19-19, 12-11 PCC) conclude the regular season with a home-and-home set with PCC champion Southwestern. The games are Tuesday (Apr. 29) in Chula Vista, then Thursday (May 1) at Grossmont's Noel Mickelsen Field. Both start at 2 p.m.


Thurs., Apr. 24
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 15, OLYMPIANS 8
San Diego Mesa
13-22 (9-13 PCC)
Grossmont
19-18 (12-10 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Boyer cf
Epperson 2b
Tupuola ss
Larson c
Lopez 1b
Tanida 3b
Crruesco dh
Emigh rf
Kleist lf

4 1 1 0
5 2 2 2
5 1 3 1
5 1 1 0
5 2 2 2
5 0 2 3
5 0 2 0
3 1 1 0
3 0 1 0

Stnecpher cf
Spears ss
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Miller lf
Inzone dh
Tenney 1b
Jusino 2b
JMadden rf

4 2 2 0
5 3 3 2
5 3 3 3
2 2 2 1
5 0 0 0
5 2 3 5
5 1 2 3
5 1 2 1
4 1 1 0

Totals
40 8 15 8
Totals
40 15 18 15
San Diego Mesa
Grossmont
023 300 000 - 08 15 0
005 043 03x - 15 18 2

GWRBI-Jusino.
E-JMadden, Spears. LOB-Mesa 8, GC 5. 2B-Lopez, Tanida, Tenney, Jusino, Taijeron. HR-Blondin (9), 6th, two on; Inzone (2), 8th, two on. SB-Emigh, Boyer, Stonecipher. CS-Boyer. S-Kleist. SF-Taijeron.

San Diego Mesa
Blauer L,4-3
Gallacher
Wynn
Wilhelm
Grossmont
Longpre
Gay W,6-3
ip
4.2
1.1
1.0
1.0

2.2
6.1

h
12
4
1
1

9
6

r
9
3
2
1

5
3

er
9
3
2
1

5
2
bb
1
0
2
0

0
1
so
2
1
0
0

0
3
Wynn faced 2 batters in the 8th.
HBP-by Gay (Boyer).
T-2:44. A-101.
Griffins pummel Mesa, 15-8

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-25-08) -- Buoyed by 3-run homers from ROSS BLONDIN and JOE INZONE, Grossmont College rode the arm of former starter DARREN GAY, who tossed 6 1/3 innings of solid relief to pace the Griffins past San Diego Mesa, 15-8, in Thursday's (Apr. 24) Pacific Coast Conference game at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Gay capped his stint out of the bullpen with 5 2/3 frames without yielding a run, allowing Grossmont time to come back from deficits of 5-0 and 8-5.

"It's hard to get used to coming out of the 'pen," noted Gay. "But it's still pretty much pitching, and you have to get the job done."

Gay (6-3) was tagged for consecutive doubles which put Mesa back in front after Grossmont scored five times in the 3rd inning to tie it. Included was a 2-run single by Mesa second baseman ROSS EPPERSON ( Steele Canyon ). But from that point on, the right-hander allowed just four singles, striking out three batters.

"It was a good game," Gay added. "I'm glad to give my team a chance to win, then they hit the ball well."

Grossmont first baseman KEVIN TENNEY led both comebacks.

Down 5-0, the Griffins registered five consecutive singles among seven total hits in the 3rd inning to tie the game, capped by Tenney's run-scoring basehit to center.

In the 5th, Tenney again tied the contest with a 2-run double, then he scored the go-ahead run when second baseman TONY JUSINO followed with another double.

Blondin then padded the advantage with his PCC leading 9th homer of the season, going deep to right field to score SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER (2-for-4, 2 runs) and NICK SPEARS (3-for-5, 3 runs, 2 RBI).

Inzone, the designated hitter, also went to right for his second home run of the season. His shot brought home Blondin (3-for-5, 3 runs, 3 RBI) and TRAVIS TAIJERON, the PCC's leading hitter, who added to his advantage with a 2-for-2 outing at the plate.

Inzone batted 3-for-5. scoring twice and collecting a career-high 5 RBI.

Taijeron, who is now batting .384 (.402 in PCC action), registered a double, a sacrifice fly and was walked twice.

For the ballgame, the Griffins (19-18, 12-10 PCC) collected 18 hits, their second-highest total of the season (29 vs. Imperial Valley , Apr. 8).

For Mesa (13-22, 9-13 PCC), shortstop Eli Tupuola batted 3-for-4, while third baseman Zach Tanida went 2-for-5 with three RBI.

The teams complete their season series on Saturday (Apr. 26) at noon at Mesa . Grossmont then finishes the season with a home-and-home set against PCC champion Southwestern, which fell to Palomar, 3-1.


PACIFIC COAST CONFERENCE
BATTING LEADERS thru Apr. 23
Rank
Name School
Avg.
1
Travis Taijeron Grossmont
.373
2
Ryan Dew San Diego City
.368
3
Nick Spears Grossmont
.361
4
Ross Blondin Grossmont
.360
5
Eli Tupuola San Diego Mesa
.359
6
Allan Boyer San Diego Mesa
.356
7
Tyler Saladino Palomar
.355
8
Tre Dennis Southwestern
.352
9
Edgar Molina Southwestern
.350
10
Eric Rodriguez Palomar
,345
11
Marshal Harvey San Diego City
.341
12
Sequoyah Stonecipher Grossmont
.339
13
Adrian Bringas Southwestern
.338
14
Mitch Blackburn Palomar
.331
15
Colby Ho Palomar
.324
16
Tony Jusino Grossmont
.321
23
Joe Inzone Grossmont
.307

PACIFIC COAST CONFERENCE
PITCHING LEADERS thru Apr. 23
Rank
Name School
ERA
1
Daniel Stenavich Southwestern
1.64
2
Lucas Whitmore San Diego City
2.23
3
Kevin McClaughry Grossmont
2.49
4
Darren Gay Grossmont
3.02
5
Jorge Dryjanski Southwestern
3.06
6
Bobby Shore Palomar
3.19
7
Chad Bauer San Diego Mesa
3.21
8
Lucas Sanford Southwestern
3.21
9
Garrett Russell Grossmont
3.66

Tue., Apr. 22
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 5, COMETS 2
Grossmont
18-18 (11-10 PCC)
Palomar
23-18 (15-6 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Stnecpher cf
Spears ss
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Miller lf
Inzone dh
Tenney 1b
Jusino 2b
JMadden rf

4 1 0 0
4 1 2 1
5 1 1 0
5 0 1 0
4 0 1 2
4 1 1 0
4 1 2 0
3 0 3 0
3 0 0 1

Saladino ss
Blackburn 2b
JJones 2b
Willeford 1b
Ho 3b
Renteria lf
Onorato ph-rf
Sanford rf
Alnas ph-lf
Lee c
Frankfurth dh
Laws dh
Rodriguez cf

4 1 3 1
3 0 1 0
2 0 1 0
5 0 1 0
3 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
1 1 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 1 1
4 0 2 0
3 0 2 0
1 0 0 0
4 0 0 0

Totals
36 5 11 4
Totals
37 2 12 2
Grossmont
Palomar
200 200 100 - 5 11 0
000 000 011 - 2 12 1

GWRBI-Miller.
E-Ho. DP-GC 1, Pal 2. LOB-GC 8, Pal 10. 2B-Taijeron, Saladino, Lee. 3B-Jusino. HR-Saladino (4), 9th, solo. SB-Stonecipher, Alnas. CS-Saladino. S-Jusino.

Grossmont
Stevens W,1-2
McClaughry S,1
Palomar
Shore L,4-2
Hamilton
Jenkins
Hoyt
ip
6.0
3.0

3.2
3.0
1.1
1.0

h
9
3

7
2
2
0

r
0
2

4
1
0
0

er
0
2

4
1
0
0
bb
0
1

2
1
0
0
so
3
2

4
0
0
0
HBP-by Stevens (Saladino). WP-McClaughry Shore.
T-N/A. A-91.
Stevens stops Palomar
Converted reliever throws 6 SO innings

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-23-08) -- Grossmont College was provided with another solid starting pitching performance, but with a twist. The Griffins scored five early runs to provide a rare, early cushion, going on to paste host Palomar, 5-2, in Tuesday's (Apr. 22) Pacific Coast Conference contest at Myers Field.

ROBERT STEVENS, in his second start of the season, provided six shutout innings despite allowing nine hits to the Comets. But every time Palomar placed runners on base, Stevens seemed to come through by coaxing a ground out.

"Robert was absolutely spectacular -- even the Palomar coaches said so after the game," said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. "He threw great by keeping the ball down, but after 105 pitches, it was time to move on after six innings even though he felt good."

While Roberts seems to cherish his move into the starting rotation, the same can be said for KEVIN McCLAUGHRY, whose move to the bullpen has been equally successful. McClaughry went the final three innings for his first collegiate save.

While the pitching was been as good as anywhere in the conference, Grossmont (18-18, 11-10 PCC) finally received key hits early in the ballgame to take control rather than the usual scheme of playing catch-up with a single, big inning.

Included was a two-out double by JOSH MILLER, scoring ROSS BLONDIN and NICK SPEARS for a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning. Spears later added an RBI single in the 4th after JARED MADDEN drew a bases-loaded walk.

"We got key hits when we needed them," added Abshier. "Miller's clutch hit was off a pretty good pitcher in Bobby Shore -- that was nice."

Grossmont made it 5-0 in the 7th when SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER walked, moved to third on a Spears basehit, then scored on a double-play grounder.

Meanwhile, the Griffins' defense also sparkled – including a double play – playing errorless ball for the first time in eight outings.

"Defensively, we played well," added the skipper. "When you don't play good defense, you're missing one-third of your game and you lose, but we put all the pieces together and won."

Second baseman TONY JUSINO paced Grossmont's 11-hit attack with a 3-for-3 outing. Spears and first baseman KEVIN TENNEY each went 2-for-4.

For Palomar, shortstop Tyler Saladino went 3-for-4, including a solo homer in the 9th.

With the victory, Grossmont eliminated Palomar (23-18, 15-6 PCC) from conference title consideration, giving the crown to Southwestern (30-9, 20-1 PCC).


Sat., Apr. 19
Pacific Coast Conference
COMETS 11, GRIFFINS 6
Palomar
23-17 (15-5 PCC)
Grossmont
17-18 (10-10 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Saladino ss
Blackburn lf
Ho 3b
Willeford 1b
JJones dh
Onarato rf
Laws c
Rodriguez lf
Alnas cf

3 2 1 3
4 2 1 1
2 1 0 0
5 1 1 4
5 0 1 1
3 1 1 0
4 2 2 0
5 1 1 0
4 1 1 0

Thomas cf
Stneciphr rf
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Miller dh
Spears ss
Jusino 2b
Tenny 1b
Jenner ph-1b
Ruiz c

5 1 2 0
5 1 2 2
4 1 1 0
5 1 1 1
3 1 1 1
4 0 1 1
4 0 1 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
4 1 1 0

Totals
35 11 9 9
Totals
36 6 10 6
Palomar
Grossmont
000 200 243 - 11 09 1
000 000 060 - 06 10 1

GWRBI-none.
E-Spears, Willeford. LOB-Pal 9, GC 7. 2B-Thomas, Laws. HR-Willeford (4), 8th, two on; Saladino (3), 9th, two on. SB-Rodriguez 2. S-Laws, Ho.

Palomar
Strom W,1-2
Sanford
Haynal
Keaton S,6
Grossmont
Russell L,4-5
Dwyer
TJones
Gay
ip
7.0
0.0
0.1
1.2

7.0
0.2
1.0
0.1

h
3
4
1
2

4
3
1
1

r
0
5
1
0

4
4
2
1

er
0
4
0
0

2
4
2
1
bb
0
0
0
0

5
0
1
0
so
5
0
0
0

3
0
0
0
Sanford faced 5 batters in the 8th.
HBP-by Strom 2 (Blondin, Miller), by Russell 3 (Blackburn 2, Saladino), by Dwyer (Ho). WP-Russell 2, Haynal.
T-2:49.
Too little too late for Griffins

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-20-08) -- Another solid pitching performance by a starting pitcher went to waste, as the offense of Grossmont College responded much too late in falling to visiting Palomar, 11-6, in Saturday's (Apr. 19) Pacific Coast Conference ballgame at Noel Mickelsen Field.

This time the victim was GARRETT RUSSELL, who was tagged for a pair of unearned runs to hand Palomar a 2-0, 4th-inning lead which they carried into the 7th.

Meanwhile, the Griffins' offense lay dull and desolate, getting shutout on three hits by Matt Strom. The transfer from Cypress College tossed seven shutout innings to collect his first victory of the season.

The bullpens made things interesting after racing through the first seven innings in less than 100 minutes.

Included was a 3-run homer by Palomar first baseman Guy Willeford, building an 8-0 lead in the 8th. But after the Griffins awoke to score six times in the 8th, Comets shortstop Tyler Saladino went with the wind to the opposite field in right for another 3-run homer, ending the comeback hopes of Grossmont (17-18, 10-10 PCC).

Willeford finished with four RBI, then Keaton Sharp recorded the final five outs to gain his PCC leading sixth save of the season.

Grossmont's big inning started innocently enough when catcher DAVID RUIZ, who is batting .333 (5-for-15) this month, singled up the middle, followed by a double.

SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER, who went 2-for-5, followed with a 2-run single to get Grossmont on the board, then a poor throw on a fielder's choice at second allowed Stonecipher to take second base.

TRAVIS TAIJERON and JOSH MILLER followed with consecutive run-scoring basehits, then a groundout by NICK SPEARS made it 8-5. Sharp finally was called upon, but TONY JUSINO reached on an infield single, then pinchhitter GARRETT JENNER rolled into a fielder's choice for another run.

Russell's effort continued a streak of solid pitching by Grossmont's starters before getting lifted. Before Russell allowed two runs in the 7th, he went 6 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

Earlier in the week, BRIAN LONGPRE lasted 7 innings before allowing an earned run to San Diego City (Grossmont scored just once during his tenure). And ROBERT STEVENS was touched for just one earned run over six innings -- also against the Knights -- which was supported by just two runs while he was on the mound.

The 3-game totals point a direct finger at the slow-out-of-the-gate Griffins' offense.

The Grossmont starting pitching staff's composites: 20.2 innings allowing just five earned runs -- a solid 2.18 earned-run average. However, the figures are meager compared to the 1.06 ERA by opponent's starters over the last three contests, with the Griffins scoring an embarrassing 3 runs over 20 innings when their starter pitching was still on the mound,

Grossmont and Palomar complete the 2-game series at 2 p.m. Tuesday (Apr. 22) in San Marcos.


Thurs., Apr. 17
Pacific Coast Conference
KNIGHTS 7, GRIFFINS 6 (10 inn.)
Grossmont
17-17 (10-9 PCC)
San Diego City
15-17 (7-12 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Thomas cf
Stneciphr lf
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c-rf
Inzone rf-1b
Miller dh
Worthy pr
Spears ss
Jenner 1b
Tenny 1b
JMadden ph
Ruiz c
Lucero 2b
Martin 2b

6 0 0 0
4 1 1 3
5 0 1 0
4 0 2 0
5 1 2 0
1 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
4 0 2 1
2 1 1 0
1 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
1 0 1 1
2 1 0 0

 
Dew cf
Long 2b
Harvey 3b
Bernetskie lf
Roman 1b
Cann c
Whitmore dh
Briggs dh
Caputo pr
Glaze ss
Taylor rf

5 2 3 1
4 3 2 0
5 0 1 1
4 0 2 5
4 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 1 0
0 0 0 0
3 1 0 0
4 1 0 0

Totals
36 6 12 5
Totals
37 7 9 7
Grossmont
San Diego City
000 100 041 0 - 6 11 6
004 000 020 1 - 7 09 1

Two outs when winning run scored.
GWRBI-Harvey.
E-Lucero, Longpre 2, Jenner, Taijeron, Glaze, McLaughry. DP-GC 1, City 1. LOB-GC 12, City 2. 2B-Taijeron, Tenny, Lucero, Bernetskie, Dew. SB-Long, Bernetskie. S-Blondin, Tenny.

Grossmont
Longpre
McLaughry L, 5-3
San Diego City
Mesa
Kuhaulua
Gorski
Veltmann
Olsen W
ip
7.2
2.0

5.0
1.2
1.1
0.1
1.2

h
5
4

6
1
2
2
0

r
6
1

1
0
4
1
0

er
2
0

1
0
3
1
0
bb
1
0

5
2
2
0
0
so
8
3

6
1
1
0
3
HBP-by Longpre (Glaze), by Veltmann (Miller).
PCC BATTING RACE (thru Apr. 18)
Player School
Thurs
Season
Avg.
Taijeron GC
2-4
40-101
.3960
Blondin GC
1-5
43-109
.3944
Dew SDCC
3-5
52-132
.3939
City tops Grossmont in 10th

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (4-18-08) — Shoddy fielding and a lack of clutch hitting sent the visiting Grossmont College Griffins reeling 7-6 in Thursday’s (Apr. 17) Pacific Coast Conference action against San Diego City decided in 10 innings at Morley Field.

Six Grossmont errors added up to five unearned runs for the Knights (15-17, 7-12 PCC) who pushed across the winning marker on a two-base throwing error and a bloop single by Marshal Harvey with two outs in the 10th.

As if all the tomfoolery on defense wasn’t enough to upset Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER, the lack of production at the plate made things even more aggravating.

In their latest loss to SDCC, the Griffins (17-17, 10-9 PCC) were 5-for-20 with runners in scoring position; just 11-for-25 advancing runners; and 0-for-4 with runners at third base.

Trailing 4-1 after seven innings, Grossmont erupted for a quartet of runs to take a one-run lead in the 8th. SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER slashed a bases-loaded triple and was able to circle the bases when the Knights muffed the relay from the outfield.

SDCC regained the lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th but the Griffins tied it 6-6 on NICK SPEARS’ RBI single. Grossmont had a chance to win it in regulation with runners at first and second with one out. SDCC reliever Gregg Olsen killed the rally by chalking up back-to-back strikeouts.

Next up for the Griffins is a home game against Palomar on Saturday (Apr. 19) at noon.


Blondin tabbed by PCC

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-16-08) -- In one of the easiest selections of the season by the Pacific Coast Conference, Grossmont College third baseman ROSS BLONDIN has been tabbed one of the conference's Male Athletes of the Week for the period ending Sunday.

Blondin, a sophomore from Santa Rosa, went 7-for-11 in two games last week with a double, four home runs, 11 RBIs and seven runs scored.

He helped lead the Griffins to a 25-8 victory over Imperial Valley, going 4-for-6 with two home runs, a double, five RBIs and five runs scored.

Blondin also helped lead the way in a 13-2 win over the Arabs as he hit safely three times in five at-bats, slugged two homers -- including a grand slam -- drove in six runs and scored twice.

Blondin shares the award with Palomar College volleyball player Casey Sawyer, who led the Comets to a 3-0 sweep of defending state champion Irvine Valley.

Thomas, Lucero, walkoff SDCC

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-16-08) -- The physical factor -- possessing speed -- is only one factor which turns a double into a triple. The cerebral aspect is equally important, avoiding the embarrassment of getting thrown out while attempting to take the extra base.

"Really, it's simple," Grossmont College centerfield CLIFTON THOMAS explained. "Once I make the turn at first, I make the read -- then it's on."

Thomas twice make the proper determination to leadoff the 1st and 9th innings Tuesday (Apr. 15), scoring both times to propel the Griffins past San Diego City College, 3-2, at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Late-inning substitute JEFF LUCERO came through in his only at-bat, following Thomas' second 3-bagger with his own double -- the walk-off variety -- to keep Grossmont (17-16, 10-8 PCC) in the postseason chase.

"Clifton was big all game, then before the 9th, we talked about making something happen," said Lucero. "After he got on, the infield came in, so I just wanted something to drive through the infield because I've been hurt lately."

After Thomas' drive blew away from the Knights centerfielder and 2-hopped the wall in left-center field, Lucero went to right-center to deliver the victory.

Tue., Apr. 15
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 3, KNIGHTS 2
San Diego City
14-17 (6-12 PCC)
Grossmont
17-16 (10-8 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Taylor rf-cf
Long 2b
Dew cf
Simmons ph
Coons rf
Bernetskie lf
Harvey 3b
Roman dh
Cann c
Sanders 1b
Gorski 1b
Blaze ss

4 0 1 0
4 0 1 1
3 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
4 0 0 0
2 1 0 0
2 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 1 2 0

 
Thomas cf
Jusino 2b
Lucero 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Miller lf
Jenner 1b
JMadden rf
Spears ss
Moore c
Worthy pr
DRuiz c

3 2 3 0
4 0 1 0
1 0 1 1
2 0 0 1
4 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
3 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0

Totals
32 2 6 1
Totals
29 3 8 2
San Diego City
Grossmont
001 001 000 - 2 6 3
101 000 001 - 3 8 2

No out when winning run scored.
GWRBI-Lucero.
E-Stevens, Whitmore, Bernetskie, Moore, Glaze. DP-GC 1. LOB-City 5, GC 11. 2B-Glaze, Lucero. 3B-Thomas 2, Miller. SB-Long. CS-Jenner. S-Thomas 2, Moore.

San Diego City
Whitmore
Mercadante L,1-4
Grossmont
Stevens
Gay W,5-3
ip
5.0
3.0

6.0
3.0

h
5
3

2
4

r
2
1

2
0

er
1
1

1
0
bb
3
0

1
0
so
7
1

9
4
HBP-by Stevems (Cann), by Whitmore (Moore). T-2:45.
Lucero's walkoff game-winning double
San Diego City (14-17, 6-12 PCC) fell out of its deadlock for 4th place after San Diego Mesa took a 4-3 decision from Palomar, the team Grossmont is chasing in the Pacific Coast Conference standings.

Thomas finished with a perfect outing at the plate. He went 3-for-3, while also placing a pair of perfect sacrifice bunts. It is believed his pair of triples equals the school record.

Over the past month (since Mar. 11), Thomas is batting a solid .516 (16-for-31). In his last five starts, the sophomore is hitting at a sizzling .611 clip (11-for-18) -- and Thomas was rested in last week's contests against Imperial Valley (3-25-1).

Meanwhile, ROBERT STEVENS was stellar in his first start since playing for Southwestern some four seasons ago, carrying a no-hitter into the 6th inning before SDCC shortstop Bobby Glaze laced the inning's first pitch for a double toward the Knights bullpen.

"It seemed like he closed for six innings -- 'Gramps' is money," noted Lucero about Stevens' effort. "It was amazing -- I didn’t think his arm could hold out for so long."

Stevens established his dominance early by striking out the side in the first, finishing with nine K's in six innings of work. Reliever DARREN GAY collected four strikeouts over the final three frames, gaining the victory on Lucero's game-winner.

"I was a little nervous, but once I got out there and threw the first pitch, it all came back to me," said Stevens, who left with no decision. "As long as we win, that's all that matters."

Thomas scored in the 1st when ROSS BLONDIN hit a chopper up the middle, with the only play at first base to collect the RBI.

Both teams scored in the 3rd in similar scenarios: a hit batsman, a failed pickoff.

For SDCC, Alex Cann was hit on a curveball which didn't. He moved to third on the wild throw to first, then a groundout to shortstop by Blaze scored him.

Meanwhile, Griffins catcher ADAM MOORE was plunked, moving to second on a Thomas sacrifice, then after TONY JUSINO singled to place runners on the corners, City's wild throw to first allowed Moore to walk home.

The triumph clinches the season series with San Diego City at 3-1, with the last contest between the teams slated for 2 p.m. Thursday at Morley Field. Griffins coach RANDY ABSHIER has never lost a season series to the Knights since he took over Grossmont's program.


Thurs., Apr. 10
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 13, ARABS 2
Imperial Valley
3-24-1 (1-16 PCC)
Grossmont
16-16 (9-8 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Item cf
ARuiz lf
Garcia ph-rf
JFlores rf
Liera ph-lf
Panela p-1b
Velasco ss
JJones ph
Angulo 2b-c
Gomez ph
DFlores 3b
Acevedo c-p
Tagg 1b
Bustamnt 2b

3 1 1 1
2 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
4 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
1 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 1 1 0
2 0 0 0

 
Stneciphr cf
Inzone ph-cf
Lucero 2b
Jusino 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Miller lf
Jenner 1b
SMddn ph-1b
JMadden rf
Spears ss
Sica c
DRuiz ph-c
Moore c

4 2 2 3
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
4 1 2 0
5 2 3 6
5 0 1 0
5 0 1 0
4 2 2 0
1 1 1 0
2 2 2 1
4 1 2 1
2 1 1 1
3 1 0 1
0 0 0 0

Totals
31 2 3 2
Totals
41 13 17 13
Imperial Valley
Grossmont
001 000 010 - 02 03 2
050 200 51x - 13 17 3

GWRBI-Spears.
E-Item, Jusino 2, Velasco, Moore. DP-IVC 1. LOB-IVC 7, GC 7. 2B-Jenner, Jusino, JMadden. 3B-Item. HR-Stonecipher, 2nd, two on; Blondin 2, 4th, one on; 7th, slam. SB-Jenner, Stonecipher 2, DRuiz. CS-Lucero, Angulo. S-ARuiz.

Imperial Valley
Panela L
Acevedo
Grossmont
Russell W,4-4
Dwyer
Longpre
Stevens
ip
3.1
4.2

6.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

h
9
8

3
0
0
0

r
7
6

1
0
1
0

er
7
6

1
0
0
0
bb
3
2

2
0
0
0
so
1
1

6
0
1
1
WP-Longpre.
Griffins mop-up on Imperial Valley
Blondin belts 2 homers, including slam

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-11-08) -- Two days after Grossmont College 's ROSS BLONDIN and SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER blasted a pair of home runs each against Imperial Valley College, their encore performance Thursday (Apr. 10) at Noel Mickelsen Field was even better.

Stonecipher creamed a no-doubt 3-run homer in the 2nd inning, giving the Griffins a 5-0 lead for the entree. Then Blondin served the dessert. The sophomore third baseman bombed a 2-run homer in the 4th, then blasted a grand slam in the 7th to finish with six RBI for the second straight ballgame, powering Grossmont past the visiting Arabs, 13-2.

Blondin finished the week by batting 7-for-11 (.636), with four homers, 11 RBI and scoring seven times.

Too bad the rejuvenated Griffins have a bye date on Saturday.

"The pressure's been lifted off us -- there's no pressure to get first place anymore -- so everyone's back playing their game and not pressing anymore," said Grossmont starting pitcher GARRETT RUSSELL, who tossed six innings of 3-hit ball to collect the victory. "And now we've put up almost 40 runs in two games."

Russell, obviously, welcomed the run support to level his record at 4-4. He struck out six and has allowed just one earned run in his last three appearances cover 13 innings of work.

"I’m getting everything back after going through a little bit of a bad streak," added Russell. "I pitched six (shutout) innings at Mesa , then I got the start today and pitched well.

"And with Sequoyah and Ross hitting seven homers between them in the last two games – they’ve got a little competition going between them -- we're finally hitting the long ball for the first time all season."

Stonecipher, who has taken over duties in centerfield, capped the series by going 5-for-10 with seven RBI and scoring five runs. His shot went out to the opposite field in right, then later he just missed a second consecutive multi-homer game with a drive which went just foul down the left-field line.

Eight of Grossmont's starters collected at least one of the ballclub's 17 hits.

Meanwhile, the bullpen saw three relievers -- KEVIN DWYER, BRIAN LONGPRE and ROBERT STEVENS -- toss one inning each without allowing a hit.

Griffin Graffiti -- ROSS BLONDIN, GARRETT NELSON and KEVIN McLAUGHRY have given verbal commitments for college scholarships. Blondin is expected to sign next week with Lubbock Christian (35-1), the nation's top-ranked NAIA ballclub, while Nelson and McLaughry -- both pitchers -- should ink paperwork to attend NCAA Division II Cal State San Bernardino . . . At least three others Griffins are anticipating offers from NCAA Division I schools, hopefully by the end of the month . . . Grossmont has hit 20 home runs this season, 11 coming in the last two games.


Tue., Apr. 8
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 25, ARABS 8
Grossmont
15-16 (8-8 PCC)
Imperial Valley
3-23-1 (1-15 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Stneciphr cf
Inzone rf
Lucero 2b
Martin 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Miller lf
Worthy lf
Jenner 1b
Tenney 1b
Moore c
DRuiz c
JMddn rf-cf
Spears ss
6 3 3 4
2 1 2 1
4 3 2 1
0 0 0 0
6 5 4 5
6 2 6 7
4 0 1 0
2 0 1 1
5 2 2 0
1 0 0 0
5 0 1 0
2 1 1 0
5 3 1 2
5 5 5 2
 
Item cf
Bustmnte 2b
JFlores 3b-rf
Pnlla dh3b1b
ARuiz 1b
Velasco ss
Angulo rf-p
DFlores 3b
JJones lf
Acevedo c
Tagg 1b-p

5 1 1 0
5 1 0 1
4 1 1 0
2 0 0 0
2 1 2 1
3 2 1 0
2 0 0 0
2 0 2 3
2 1 0 0
4 1 1 3
4 0 0 0

Totals
55 25 29 23
Totals
35 8 8 8
Grossmont
Imperial Valley
324 227 131 - 25 29 1
000 033 020 - 08 08 2

GWRBI-Taijeron.
E-Angulo, Velasco, Martin. LOB-GC 14, IVC 2. 2B-Spears, Stoncipher, Blondin, Jenner, DRuiz, Angulo, Worthy, Item, DFlores, Velasco. 3B-Taijeron, DFlores, Angulo. HR-Stoncipher 2 (6), 2nd, one on and 6th, one on; Spears (2) 4th, solo; Blondin 2 (6), 5th, two on and 7th, solo; Taijeron (3) 6th, one on; JMadden (2) 6th, solo; Lucero (1) 6th solo; Acevedo 5th, two on; SB-Stonecipher, Blondin, Worthy, JMadden, Item. S-Lucero. SF-Taijeron, Moore.

Grossmont
McLaughry W,5-2
Orozco
Nelson
Swan
TJones
Imperial Valley
Liera L
DFlores
Angulo
Tagg
Item
ip
5.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

2.1
2.0
2.0
1.0
1.2

h
2
4
0
2
0

5
7
10
3
4

r
3
3
0
2
0

6
7
8
3
1

er
3
3
0
2
0

6
7
8
3
1
bb
1
0
0
1
0

4
0
3
1
0
so
3
0
2
3
0

0
1
2
0
0
HBP-by DFlores 2 (Spears, Lucero).
Griffins break out the long ball
Record-tieing 8 homers doom Arabs

© East County Sports.com
IMPERIAL (4-09-08) — For a team that had not exhibited much power all season, the visiting Grossmont College Griffins caught the jet stream at Imperial Valley College in Tuesday’s (Apr. 8) Pacific Coast Conference game.

It was an offensive field day for the Griffins (15-16, 8-8 PCC) as they tied the Grossmont record for home runs in a game with eight, including four in the 6th inning of a 25-8 victory.

“It was blustery – the wind was kicking up and blowing out much of the day,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “Not all of those balls would have gone out, but the majority were hit well enough.”

SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER and ROSS BLONDIN led the home run parade with two round-trippers each. TRAVIS TAIJERON (6-for-6, 7 RBI) was one of the Griffins clearing the yard in a 7-run sixth inning that ballooned Grossmont’s advantage to 20-3. Stonecipher launched a 2-run homer in that inning as did JARED MADDEN. JEFF LUCERO also tagged a solo shot.

It was a surprise attack for sure. Grossmont had clubbed only 17 home runs in its first 30 games before Tuesday’s onslaught. The Griffins established season highs for runs and hits (29).

Nearly lost in the home run barrage was Griffins shortstop NICK SPEARS, who went 5-for-5 and hit for The Cycle. Spears tripled in the 2nd, homered in the 4th, doubled in the 6th and singled in the 8th and 9th innings. He was also hit by a pitch, scored 5 runs and drove in a pair.

“It’s coming down to the end of the season and it should mean a lot to our guys to finish strong,” Abshier said. “For some of them, this could be their last season. For others, there are scholarships at stake. They need to give it their best shot.

“Who knows?” Abshier continued. “If we get hot at the end here and win our last nine, we might have a shot at the playoffs. But we can’t just sit around and talk about it. We have to play like we did today – every game.”

These same two teams meet again on Thursday (Apr. 10) at Noel Mickelsen Field at 2 p.m.


Sat., Apr. 5
Pacific Coast Conference
JAGUARS 14, GRIFFINS 7
Southwestern
24-9 (14-1)
Grossmont
14-16 (7-8 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Dennis cf
Mnsnrez 2b
Bringas 3b
Norris ph-3b
Molina 1b
Miramnts ss
Cando ph-ss
Fariss dh
Comford c
Baldivier ph
Wannamkr c
Torres rf
Jordan lf
Cartier ph
JSimpson lf
5 1 1 1
5 1 2 1
4 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
4 2 2 1
5 3 3 4
1 0 0 0
2 2 1 2
4 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
3 2 2 1
2 0 1 0
1 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
 
Thomas cf
Worthy ph-cf
Martin 2b
Blondin 3b
Ruiz ph
Taijeron c
Moore c
Inzone rf
Miller dh
JMadden lf
Spears ss
Jenner 1b

3 0 1 0
2 0 0 1
5 0 0 0
4 0 1 0
1 1 1 0
3 1 1 0
2 0 1 0
5 1 3 0
4 3 3 3
4 1 2 0
4 0 0 1
4 0 2 1

Totals
39 14 15 12
Totals
41 7 15 6
Southwestern
Grossmont
400 220 600 - 14 15 3
010 001 023 - 07 15 2

GWRBI-Molina.
E-Jenner, Manzanarez, Spears, Dennis. DP-SW 1, GC 1. LOB-SW 9, GC 10. 2B-Molina, Miramontes 2, Miller. HR-Miramontes, 1st, two on; Miller, 9th, two on. SB-Jordan, Torres, Thomas, Martin, Miramontes, Blondin. CS-Torres. S-Dennis, Manzanarez. SF-Molina, Spears, Bringas.

Southwestern
Stenavich W,5-0
Davis
Gallente
Grossmont
Gay L,4-3
Swan
Vega
TJones
Wiley
Dwyer
Nelson
ip
7.0
1.0
1.0

5.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

h
10
2
4

11
0
2
2
0
0
0

r
2
2
3

8
0
4
2
0
0
0

er
2
2
3

7
0
4
2
0
0
0
bb
1
1
0

1
1
1
1
1
1
0
so
1
0
0

2
0
0
0
0
1
2
Vega faced 4 batters in the 7th.
TJones faced 3 batters in the 7th.
HBP-by Vega (Fariss), by Dwyer (Farris). Balk-Gay.
T-2:51.
Missed tackles lead to
game-breaking TD pass

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-6-08) -- After Grossmont College missed a pair of early tackles, Southwestern College took advantage by throwing the bomb, as the Pacific Coast Conference leading Jaguars whipped the Griffins, 14-7, Saturday (Apr. 5) at Noel Mickelson Field.

No, it wasn't a football game, but as far as Southwestern was concerned, the hits were equally as punishing as a linebacker's after shortstop K.J. Miramontes followed with a touchdown pass on a bomb, blasting a 3-run homer in the 1st inning

In what was expected to be a defensive battle between the conference leaders in earned-run average, Grossmont starter DARREN GAY received little support out of the gate. The first batter hit a simple ground ball, which was booted, then on the ensuing bunt play, no one covered first base.

Southwestern followed with "first downs" on a single to load the bases, a sacrifice fly by Edgar Molina, then Miramontes smacked the scoreboard in left-center field with the long ball for a 4-0 advantage which eventually swelled to 14-2.

Miramontes finished batting 3-for-5, with the homer, two doubles and four RBI.

Meanwhile, Jaguars starter Daniel Stenavich collected the easy victory, moving his record to 5-0. The sophomore out of Serra High allowed two runs over seven innings.

The Griffins scored five times on the SWC bullpen, including a 3-run homer by designated hitter JOSH MILLER in the 9th. The sophomore batted 3-for-4, also adding a double and a double-play grounder which allowed another run to score to put Grossmont on the board.

The lead went to 8-1 before a NICK SPEARS sacrifice fly allowed Miller to score the first of his three runs in the 6th. But Southwestern answered with six runs in the 7th, as a pair of Grossmont relievers failed to register an out in a dismal showing by the Griffins bullpen.

Several members of the bench made bids for additional playing time, as reserve catchers DAVID RUIZ and ADAM MOORE each collected basehits in pinchhitting roles. Ruiz lined a single to left, while a hustling Moore beat out an infield hit. In addition, TIM WORTHY entered late, forcing the ball to the right side to drive home JARED MADDEN (2-for-4 with a double) from third base.

Miller accounted for six of Grossmont’s seven runs by either scoring or driving home the markers. Right fielder JOE INZONE added three basehits and scored once.

Grossmont (14-16, 7-8 PCC) will play a home-and-home series with Imperial Valley next week. The teams meet Tuesday (Apr. 8) in Imperial, then Thursday (Apr. 10) at Grossmont, both starting at 2 p.m.


Thurs., Apr. 3
Pacific Coast Conference
JAGUARS 3, GRIFFINS 2
Grossmont
14-15 (7-7 PCC)
Southwestern
23-9 (13-1)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Thomas cf
Stonecphr lf
JMadden lf
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Miller dh
Spears ss
Inzone rf
Jusino 2b
Tenny 1b
Jenner ph
3 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
0 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
4 0 0 0
4 0 1 0
4 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
3 1 0 0
2 0 0 0
1 1 1 2
 
Dennis cf
Mnsnrez 2b
Bringas 3b-p
Molina 1b
Miramnts ss
Fariss dh
Norris dh
Comford c
Torres rf
Jordan lf
3 0 1 0
4 0 1 1
4 1 1 0
4 1 1 0
3 0 1 0
3 0 1 2
1 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
4 1 1 0
3 0 1 0
Totals
33 2 7 2
Totals
32 3 9 3
Grossmont
Southwestern
000 000 020 - 2 7 1
000 002 001 - 3 9 1

One out when winning run scored.
GWRBI-Manzanarez.
E-Dennis. LOB-GC 7, SW 10. 2B-Blondin, Fariss. HR-Jenner (1), 8th, one on. S-Manzanarez, Miramontes.

Grossmont
Longpre L,1-3
Stevens
Southwestern
Sanford
Krause
Bringas W
ip
8.1
0.0

7.1
0.1
1.1

h
8
1

4
1
2

r
3
0

2
0
0

er
3
0

2
0
0
bb
2
0

2
0
0
so
5
0

4
1
3
Stevens faced 1 batter in the 9th.
HBP - By Longpre 2 (Comford , Jordan), by Sanford (Jusino).
Griffins turn up more frustration

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (4-3-08) -- Grossmont College wasted some superb pitching by BRIAN LONGPRE in Thursday's (Apr. 3) heartbreaking 3-2 Pacific Coast Conference loss at Southwestern College.

Longpre limited the first-place Jaguars (23-9, 13-3 PCC) to eight hits and 3 runs as scouts from the University of New Mexico looked on. He struck out 5 and walked only 2 in one of his better outings of the season.

Through the first eight innings Longpre made only one major mistake. That was giving up a two-run double to Ryan Fariss that broke a scoreless tie in the 6th inning.

Grossmont (14-15, 7-7 PCC) answered back in the 8th inning as TONY JUSINO was hit by a pitch and pinch-hitter GARRETT JENNER jacked a monumental home run over the wall in right field to tie it.

The Griffins might have had more that inning as SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER walked but was cut down attempting to steal second. ROSS BLONDIN followed with a double off the wall that would easily have scored Stonecipher with the go-ahead marker.

Mass confusion helped Southwestern score the winning tally in the bottom of the 9th which came across on Omar Manzanarez's single.

The game featured two key disputes of judgment and rule book interpretations between the umpires and coaches in the bottom of the 9th.

The umpires working the contest huddled more than once to decide a disputed call. One time the men in blue retreated to their vehicles to Google their laptop computer to locate a particular baseball ruling. Perhaps a rule book in pocket might have solved the problem a bit quicker . . .

During the 15 minutes the umpires were solving the puzzle, the fans in the stands were becoming vocally restless. Negative chanting by the spectators resulted in some ejections.

Grossmont was tagged with its 5th loss in six starts. Reduced to spoilers, the Griffins will attempt to knock off Southwestern when they host the Jaguars on Saturday (Apr. 5) at noon.


Tue., Apr. 1
Pacific Coast Conference
OLYMPIANS 7, GRIFFINS 5
Grossmont
14-14 (7-6 PCC)
San Diego Mesa
9-17 (5-8 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Thomas cf
Stonecphr lf
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Miller dh
Spears ss
Inzone rf
Jusino 2b
Tenny 1b
Jenner ph
5 2 3 0
3 0 0 0
5 1 0 0
5 2 2 0
4 1 3 3
4 0 1 0
4 0 2 1
4 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
 
Boyer cf
Epperson ss
Tupuola 3b
Larson c
Lopez 1b
Tanida 3b
Carruesco rf
Kleist lf
Phillips 2b
4 1 2 0
4 1 1 1
3 2 2 0
3 0 1 1
3 1 0 1
4 0 2 3
3 0 0 0
4 1 2 1
2 1 0 0
Totals
38 5 11 5
Totals
30 7 10 7
Grossmont
San Diego Mesa
200 010 020 - 5 11 0
340 000 00x - 7 10 2

GWRBI-Tanida.
E-Epperson, Phillips. DP-Mesa 1. LOB-GC 8, Mesa 5. 2B-Thomas 2, Miller 2, Inzone. 3B-Tanida. HR-Kleist, 2nd, solo. S-Carruesco.

Grossmont
Richardson L,0-1
Russell
San Diego Mesa
Blauer W,4-2
Wilhelm S,1
ip
2.0
6.0

8.0
1.0

h
7
3

11
0

r
7
0

5
0

er
7
0

5
0
bb
2
1

0
0
so
2
6

4
1
HBP-by Richardson (Phillips), by Blauer (Stonecipher), by Wilhelm (Stonecipher). WP-Richardson.
Russell shines in relief in loss

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (4-2-08) --Grossmont College's GARRETT RUSSELL, who has struggled with his control much of the season, blanked host San Diego Mesa on three hits over six innings of Tuesday's (Apr. 1) Pacific Coast Conference game.

Trouble is, Russell's work came in relief.

The Olympians jumped on Grossmont starter AARON RICHARDSON for seven runs in the first two innings and then cruised to a 7-5 victory.

JOSH MILLER paced Grossmont (14-14, 7-6 PCC) with a 2-run double in the 1st inning and an RBI double in the 8th.

CLIFTON THOMAS continued his hot hitting of late with a pair of doubles, two stolen bases and 2 runs scored. Like Miller, Thomas totaled 3 hits in the game.

"Thomas is a major league outfielder," Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. "He can run down anything."

Thomas has a scholarship to Texas A&M-Kingsville in hand.

Helix High product ZACH TANIDA put Mesa (9-17, 5-8 PCC) on top to stay 3-2 with a bases-clearing triple in the bottom of the 1st inning. TED KLEIST, a resident of El Cajon and graduate of Cathedral Catholic, keyed a 4-run 2nd inning with a lead off home run.

Next up the Griffins is a trip to Chula Vista where they take on front-running Southwestern College Thursday (Apr. 3) at 2 p.m.


Sat., Mar. 29
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 11, OLYMPIANS 6
San Diego Mesa
8-17 (4-8 PCC)
Grossmont
14-13 (7-5 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Boyer cf
Epperson ss
Lopez 1b
Larson c
Blauer dh
Carruesco rf
Tanida 3b
Emigh lf
Phillips 2b
2 2 0 0
5 0 1 1
2 2 0 0
5 1 3 2
5 0 1 1
5 0 2 1
5 0 1 0
4 0 1 0
3 1 0 0
 
Thomas cf
Jusino 2b
Lucero 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Spears ss
Inzone rf
JMadden rf
Miller dh
Navarro lf
Tenny 1b
4 3 4 1
1 0 0 0
1 1 0 0
4 0 1 2
4 1 1 2
4 2 3 1
3 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
5 1 2 1
4 1 0 0
4 1 2 3
Totals
36 6 9 5
Totals
35 11 14 11
San Diego Mesa
Grossmont
201 010 020-06 09 1
122 130 02x-11 14 5

GWRBI-Inzone.
E-Inzone 2, Thomas, Jusino, Peabody, Lucero. DP-GC 1. LOB-Mesa 13, GC 7. 2B-Thomas 2, Inzone, Spears, Miller, Tenny, Taijeron. HR-Spears (2nd, lead). SB-Thomas 2, Phillips. CS-Epperson, Lucero. S-Jusino 2, Phillips.

San Diego Mesa
Gallacher L,0-4
Floros
Wynn
Peabody
Wilhelm
Grossmont
McClaughry W,4-2
Vega
Nelson
Stevens
ip
4.0
1.0
2.0
0.1
0.2

6.0
1.1
0.2
1.0

h
8
4
0
1
1

7
1
1
0

r
6
3
0
2
0

4
2
0
0

er
6
3
0
2
0

2
2
0
0
bb
2
0
1
2
1

1
2
1
0
so
3
0
2
1
1

3
0
1
2
HBP-by McClaughry 4 (Lopez 2, Emigh, Boyer).
T-2:38.
Griffins' 8 extra-base hits top Mesa
Spears' homer, 7 2bs, overcome errors

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-30-08) -- The highs and the lows endured by the Grossmont Griffins in recent weeks were clearly reflected in Saturday's (Mar. 29) 11-6 pasting of San Diego Mesa, in Pacific Coast Conference action at Noel Mickelsen Field,

The highs included clutch hitting throughout the lineup, including sparkling performances by shortstop NICK SPEARS and centerfielder CLIFTON THOMAS.

Spears opened his day with a game-tying, leadoff home run in the 2nd inning, finishing 3-for-4 before being intentionally walked in the 8th. Meanwhile, Thomas reached base on all five of his at-bats, going 4-for-4 with a walk, including a pair of doubles and scoring three times.

"Just helping the team out by seeing a hanging curveball and hitting it over the fence," said Spears, a sophomore who is looking to extend his career at a four-year school. "Although I thought it was foul, the ump called it fair, so whatever works.”

On the flip side, the Griffins (14-13, 7-5 PCC) committed an unsightly five errors to continually extend Mesa 's trips to the plate. It meant a ton of extra pitches for Grossmont starter KEVIN McCLAUGHRY, yet the left-hander fought through six innings to gain the victory. Half of the four runs he allowed were unearned.

"Kevin pitched well enough to win," said head coach RANDY ABSHIER. "That's all you can ask from any pitcher."

Meanwhile, Grossmont battered five Mesa pitchers to the tune of Spears' homer and seven doubles among the ballclub's 14 hits.

"The defense will be fine -- just need a little more fungos," added Spears. "Coach throws the best nine out there every game."

Among the key two-base hits was a liner to right-center by designated hitter JOSH MILLER (2-for-5) for a run in the 3rd and a 5-3 lead. Later, KEVIN TENNY sent a drive to left-center, driving in two runs in the 5th to mount a 9-4 lead, as the Griffins scored in each of the game's first five innings.

Tenny, receiving the start at first base, finished with three RBI, including a run-scoring basehit in the 2nd to give Grossmont a 3-2 lead.

The teams complete the home-and-home series Tuesday (Apr. 1) at 2 p.m. at Mesa before the Griffins open a 2-game set with PCC leading Southwestern.


Thurs., Mar. 27
Pacific Coast Conference
COMETS 9, GRIFFINS 8
Palomar
16-14 (9-2 PCC)
Grossmont
13-13 (6-5 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Rodriguez cf
Blkbrn 2b-3b
JJones 3b
Alnas pr
Chstertn 2b
Willeford 1b
Saladino ss
Renteria dh
Joyce lf
Onarato rf
Lee c
4 2 1 0
4 0 0 0
3 1 0 1
0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
4 1 1 0
4 2 3 3
5 1 0 0
4 1 2 1
4 1 2 3
4 0 0 0
 
Thomas cf
Stncphr rf
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Jusino 2b
Miller dh
Spears ss
Jenner 1b
Navarro lf
5 0 2 1
4 1 2 2
3 2 0 0
5 2 2 3
5 0 1 0
3 0 1 1
4 1 1 0
3 2 1 0
4 0 1 0
Totals
36 9 9 8
Totals
36 8 11 7
Palomar
Grossmont
100 105 002 - 9 09 1
200 032 010 - 8 11 1

GWRBI-Saladino.
E-Jenner, Onarato. LOB-Pal 6, GC 8. 2B-Rodriguez, Thomas, Saladino, Joyce. HR-Stonecipher, 5th, solo; Taijeron, 5th, one on; Onarato, 6th, two on. SB-Onarato. CS-Stoencipher, JJones. S-Spears, Blackburn. SF-JJones.

Palomar
Shore
Frankfurth
Ferguson
Sanford
Davidson W,2-2
Sharp S,5
Grossmont
Longpre
Orozco
Russell
Stevens L,0-2
ip
4.0
0.1
1.0
2.1
0.1
1.0

5.1
0.2
|1.0
2.0

h
4
2
2
2
1
0

6
1
1
1

r
2
3
2
1
0
0

6
1
0
2

er
2
3
1
1
0
0

5
1
0
2
bb
2
1
1
0
0
0

1
0
1
1
so
3
1
1
2
0
0

2
1
1
1
HBP-by Longpre (Renteria), by Ferguson (Stonecipher), by Russell (Willeford), by Stevens (Rodriguez), by Sharp (Miller). WP-Longpre, Shore. 2
T-2:57.
Griffins play giveaway

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-28-08) -- The Grossmont Griffins were one out away from leaping back into the heat of the Pacific Coast Conference pennant race. But in Thursday's (Mar. 27) see-saw affair, nothing was definite, especially after Palomar shortstop Tyler Saladino’s delivery of a two-run single in the 9th inning to break the hearts of the Griffins in a 9-8 decision at Noel Mickelsen Field.

The contest saw four lead changes, twice courtesy of Griff right-fielder SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER. The freshman snapped a 2-all deadlock in the 5th with a booming solo homer to left, which was followed by a walk to ROSS BLONDIN and a 2-run, opposite-field homer to right by catcher TRAVIS TAIJERON.

Stonecipher later snapped a 7-all tie in the 8th, lining Grossmont's third basehit of the inning to score GARRETT JENNER.

However, the Comets (16-14, 9-2 PCC) went small ball in the 9th, taking advantage of a hit batsman when Eric Rodriguez led-off the 9th.

Mitch Blackburn bunted Rodriguez along, Jarend Jones walked, then a grounder went to the right side by clean-up hitter Guy Willeford, as the slow roller prevented Grossmont from turning a double play to win the game.

Saladino followed with his 2-run basehit to left for the lead, then Comets reliever Keagan Sharp overcame his own hit batsman in the bottom of the 9th to register his fifth save of the season.

For Palomar, Jake Onarato slugged a 3-run homer when the Comets scored five times in the 6th for a 7-5 advantage.

CLIFTON THOMAS, Stonecipher and Blondin recorded two hits among the 11 for Grossmont (13-13, 6-5 PCC). Included for Thomas was a double in the 2nd, then an RBI single which resulted in two runs in the 6th when the ball skipped "5-hole" (between the legs) of the right fielder to tie the contest at 7-7.

Palomar remains one full game behind front-running Southwestern, which downed San Diego City, 6-2. The Griffins remain in third place, three games behind the Comets.


Tue., Mar. 25
Pacific Coast Conference
COMETS 7, GRIFFINS 5
Grossmont
13-12 (6-4 PCC)
Palomar
15-14 (8-2 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Thomas cf
Jusino 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron c
Worthy pr
Stncphr rf
Miller dh
Spears ss
SMadden 1b
JMadden ph
Navarro rf
5 1 1 1
4 1 0 0
4 1 2 1
5 0 4 0
0 1 0 0
5 0 0 0
5 1 3 2
4 0 1 1
4 0 1 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
 
Rodriguez cf
Blackburn 3b
Joyce lf
Willeford 1b
Frnkfh pr-1b
Saladino ss
Renteria dh
Laws c
Sanford rf
Onorto ph-rf
Chestrsn 2b
4 1 1 0
5 1 3 1
5 2 1 0
4 1 3 1
1 1 0 0
2 0 1 1
3 1 1 1
3 0 1 2
3 0 1 0
1 0 0 0
4 0 1 1
Totals
40 5 13 5
Totals
35 7 13 7
Grossmont
Palomar
100 100 102 - 5 13 2
400 010 11x - 7 13 2

GWRBI-Renteria.
E-Jusino, SMadden, Frankfurth, Saladino. LOB-GC 12, Pal 9. 2B-Miller, Joyce, Wille-ford. S-Jusino, Saladino, Renteria, Laws. SF-Saladino. SB-Rodriguez.

Grossmont
Gay L,4-2
Richardson
Palomar
Aspass W,4-2
Strom
Sharp
ip
6.2
1.1

6.0
2.1
0.2

h
12
1

8
2
3

r
6
1

2
2
1
er
1
1

2
0
1
bb
0
1

1
0
0
so
2
3

2
3
2
HBP-by Aspass 2 (Blondin,Spears). WP-Gay.
Unearned runs doom Grossmont

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-26-08) — Four unearned runs in the bottom of the 1st inning spelled doom for the visiting Grossmont College in Tuesday’s (Mar. 25) Pacific Coast Conference contest at Palomar College. The Comets were never headed thereafter and continued on to a 7-5 victory over the Griffins.

It was a major turnaround for all concerned. A win over Palomar (15-14, 8-2 PCC) would have led the Comets and Grossmont tied for second, two games off the lead. Instead, the Griffins (13-12, 6-4 PCC) fell into deeper into third place, three games behind front-running Southwestern (19-9, 9-1 PCC).

The good news is the PCC schedule has 15 games remaining. But next stop is a Thursday (Mar. 27) home game against Palomar, which should be considered a must-win situation for the Griffins.

It’s no secret that only the Pacific Coast Conference champion will be invited to the post-season playoffs.

Grossmont ace DARREN GAY was pelted for 12 hits but allowed only one earned run over 6 2/3 innings against the Comets on Tuesday. Grossmont matched the Comets' hit total of 13 and held a 3-2 edge in earned runs. So much for statistics.

TRAVIS TAIJERON was 4 for 5 for Grossmont, while JOSH MILLER was 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBI.


Jan. 25: Grossmont at San Bernardino Valley
Lasers nip Griffins on balk

© East County Sports.com
IRVINE (3-20-08) — In terms of making a run at the playoffs, the Grossmont College Griffins missed a golden opportunity to gain some leverage Wednesday (Mar. 19) when they dropped a 3-2 decision to No. 5-ranked Irvine Valley.

“We proved we could compete with them,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “The difference was we balked in a run.”

Nonetheless, Abshier was pleased with the pitching of DARREN GAY (4-1, 1.86 ERA) and reliever BRIAN LONGPRE. Gay allowed 7 hits and 3 earned runs in six innings, walking 1 and striking out 3.

“I think Gay was a little nervous,” Abshier said. “But after giving up 2 runs in the 1st inning, he settled in and did a great job. Gay has pitched against two of the top teams in the state (including Santa Ana ). Both times he’s done well.”

Grossmont (13-11) was rationed to 4 hits by the Lasers (19-6). Still they had a chance to tie the game in the 8th inning. ROSS BLONDIN was hit by a pitch to open the inning. He was immediately picked off on a questionable call.

TRAVIS TAIJERON was hit by the next pitch. SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER followed with a gargantuan home run, making it a one-run ball game.

“That was the longest home run I’ve seen at this level,” Abshier said. “It hit the side of an apartment building about 40 feet beyond the left field fence.”

But the Griffins could muster no more.

Grossmont will enjoy a six-day break before resuming Pacific Coast Conference play March 25 against Palomar in San Marcos.


Griffins topple Tartars

© East County Sports.com
COMPTON (3-18-08) — ROSS BLONDIN drove in three runs with a double and a triple as visiting Grossmont College clipped Compton, 8-4, in Tuesday’s (Mar. 18) non-conference clash at the Tartars' $9 million Urban Youth Baseball facility.

Grossmont’s CLIFTON THOMAS enjoyed another profitable outing, going 2-for-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBI and 3 stolen bases. NICK SICA slapped a couple of doubles and scored twice. JOSH MILLER was 2-for-3 with a homer and 2 runs scored for the Griffins 13-10.

GARRETT RUSSELL scattered four hits and did not allow an earned run over the first 5 2/3 innings to notch his third win in seven decisions. He struck out three and left the mound with a 4-2 lead.

Relievers GARRETT NELSON, JOE VEGA and KEVIN McLAUGHRY finished the job.

Grossmont travels to No. 5-ranked IVRINE VALLEY (16-8) Wednesday (Mar. 19) in a game that could have major playoff connotations if the Griffins can pull out a victory.


Thurs., Mar. 13
Pacific Coast Conference
KNIGHTS 9, GRIFFINS 7
Grossmont
12-10 (6-3 PCC)
San Diego City
11-10 (2-7 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Stncipher lf
Jusino 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Spears ss
Martin ss
Inzone rf
JMadden rf
Thomas cf
Jenner 1b
Ruiz c
Sica c
Miller ph
Moore c
6 0 1 0
5 1 3 0
4 1 1 0
4 1 2 1
3 1 1 0
0 1 0 0
3 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
2 1 1 1
3 0 2 2
3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
 
Dew cf
Long 2b
Sanders c
Harvey 3b
Bernetskie lf
Roman 1b
Sancho ss
Frias dh
Ortiz dh
Taylor rf
5 1 4 1
4 1 2 1
4 1 0 0
5 0 1 0
4 1 0 0
3 1 1 1
4 1 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
4 2 1 0
Totals
36 7 12 6
Totals
36 9 9 3
Grossmont
San Diego City
000 210 013 - 7 12 4
001 005 03x - 9 09 1

GWRBI-none.
E-Spears 2, Martin, Jenner, Dew. DP-City 1. LOB-GC 12, City 9. 2B-Spears, Dew. Jenner. SB-Sanders, Bernetskie 3, Ortiz. S-Thomas. SF-Jenner, Long.

Grossmont
Longpre
Nelson L,0-1
Stevens
Vega
Richardson
San Diego City
Kuhaulua W,2-2
Briggs
Veltmann S,1
ip
5.1
0.0
0.1
1.1
1.0

8.0
0.0
1.0

h
4
0
2
1
2

12
0
0

r
3
2
1
1
2

7
0
0
er
3
0
0
1
0

7
0
0
bb
1
1
0
1
0

5
2
1
so
5
0
1
1
1

7
0
1
Nelson faced 3 batters in the 6th.
Kuhaulua faced 3 batters in the 9th.
Briggs faced 2 batters in the 9th.
HBP-by Longpre 2 (Roman, Bernetskie); by Richardson (Roman). WP-Longpre.
Griffins give one away to Knights
Thomas gains scholarship offer

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (3-14-08) — About the only good thing Grossmont College coach RANDY ABSHIER had to say about Thursday’s (Mar. 13) Pacific Coast Conference loss to San Diego City, 9-7 at Morley Field, was a development that happened off the field.

Abshier was proud to announce that Griffins center fielder CLIFTON THOMAS has verbally committed to Texas A&M–Kingsville. The NCAA Division II Javelinas, who have an enrollment of 6,200, are members of the Lone Star Conference. They play their home games at Nolan Ryan Field.

“It’s a really good deal for Clifton,” Abshier said.

The coach wasn’t as enthusiastic about the Griffins latest outing.

Grossmont took a 3-1 lead into the 6th and then collapsed on defense. SDCC (11-10) capitalized on four Griffins errors to push across five unearned runs.

“Our defense let us down,” Abshier said. “That and we didn’t hit when it counted.”

Grossmont second baseman TONY JUSINO collected three of the team's 12 hits, while TRAVIS TAIJERON and GARRETT JENNER added two each, plus a pair of RBI for Jenner.

Next up for the Griffins (12-10) are a pair of non-conference road games next week.


Thomas homer propels G-House

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-12-08) -- Listed at the top of the Grossmont College batting order at the start of the season, sophomore centerfielder CLIFTON THOMAS is known for one thing: speed, speed, speed.

At El Cajon Valley High, he established an East County record with 50 stolen bases during his senior year, one short of the CIF San Diego Section established set by current major-leaguer ERIC CHAVEZ of the Oakland Athletics.

However, mired in a mild hitting slump and not reaching base to utilize his speed has relegated Thomas to a platoon role of late. So when he was called upon in the 8th inning of Tuesday's (Mar. 11) Pacific Coast Conference contest, Thomas was as surprised as anyone.

Getting hold of a hanging 2-1 pitch, Thomas hit the Griffins' first homer in 40 innings over the right-field fence to break a tied ballgame, lifting Grossmont to a 7-6 come-from-behind victory over visiting San Diego City College at Noel Mickelsen Field.

"I felt good -- it just felt good," said Thomas. "I just got the bat on it, then the wind helped carry it out."

The pitch sequence seemed obvious to Thomas, helping him correctly guess the decisive pitch."

"It was 2-0 first of all and he threw the fastball, and I just missed it," Thomas noted. "So I knew he'd come back with an off-speed pitch and he hung it."

ROBERT STEVENS, who looked healthy after suffering a mild muscle pull on his pitching shoulder earlier in the season, then capped the victory with his second inning of 1-hit relief to collect the victory.

Tue., Mar. 11
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 7, KNIGHTS 6
San Diego City
10-10 (1-7 PCC)
Grossmont
12-9 (6-2 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Dew cf
Long ss-2b
Harvey 3b
Sanders c
Bernetski lf
Ortiz dh
Roman 1b
Coons rf
Aguilar 2b
Glaze ss
4 1 1 2
5 0 1 0
4 0 1 0
4 1 2 0
4 1 1 0
1 1 0 0
4 0 3 2
4 1 1 1
2 1 1 0
2 0 0 0
 
Stnciphr cf-lf
Jusino 2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Spears ss
Inzone rf
Jennr ph-1b
Miller lf
Thomas cf
SMadden 1b
JMddn ph-rf
Ruiz c
Navarro ph
Sica c
4 2 2 1
3 1 2 1
5 1 3 1
2 1 1 0
4 0 0 1
3 0 0 0
2 0 1 2
2 0 0 0
1 1 1 1
2 0 1 0
2 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Totals
34 6 11 5
Totals
32 7 12 7
San Diego City
Grossmont
021 201 000 - 6 11 0
001 005 01x - 7 12 0

GWRBI-Thomas.
E-none. DP-City 1, GC 2. LOB-City 7, GC 10. 2B-Dew, Blondin, Ramon 2. 3B-Stonecipher. HR-Thomas (1), 8th, solo. SB-Dew. S-Ortiz, Jusino, Ruiz 2.

San Diego City
Whitmore
Simmons
Esaias
Mercadante L
Grossmont
Russell
Swan
TJones
Vega
Stevens W,1-0
ip
4.0
1.1
0.0
2.2

3.0
1.0
1.0
2.0
2.0

h
5
3
2
2

3
4
2
1
1

r
1
3
2
1

3
2
1
0
0
er
1
3
2
1

2
2
1
0
0
bb
4
1
2
1

2
0
1
2
1
so
1
1
0
3

1
1
0
0
1
Whitmore faced 1 batter in the 5th.
Esaias faced 4 batters in the 6th.
TJones faced 2 batters in the 7th.
Vega faced 1 batter in the 8th.
HBP-by Whitmore (Miller). WP-Whitmore, Mercadante 2. PB-Ruiz, Sanders.
T-3:16.
For now, Thomas doesn't mind if he starts or not, just as long as the team continues to win.

"We can all play -- everyone's got a part on this team," Thomas added. "From here on out we can't get beat -- we have to win every game."

Over the first five innings, not much went right for Grossmont, especially on a key umpire's call in the 4th when trailing 5-1.

With the bases loaded, TONY JUSINO hit a grounder to the right side to get a run in, but when the throw on the Knights' double play attempt sailed into the dugout, a second run scored to halve the deficit to 5-3.

However, the base umpire ruled the runner from first base interfered with the shortstop, calling for an automatic double play and nullifying both runs.

"Everyone was hot," said Thomas. "But we were just telling each other to keep our head and we can come back and win this thing -- and we did.”

Jusino started a double play to end the 5th, racing behind the bag at second to grab a hot shot up the middle. City then added a run in the 6th for a 6-1 lead, but Grossmont answered with five runs off three Knights pitchers in the bottom half of the inning.

Pinchhitter JARED MADDEN opened with a lead single, scoring on an RBI triple by SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER. Jusino followed with an RBI single, and NICK SPEARS later walked with the bases loaded.

GARRETT JENNER then entered as a pinchhitter, slugging a 2-run single to tie the game. Thomas went in as a defensive replacement in the 7th, then homered in his first at bat in the 8th to make the Griffins bench a perfect 3-for-3 for the contest.

"Everyone wants to play -- and everyone is getting a chance," added Thomas.

The top three batters in the Grossmont lineup combined to bat 7-for-12 with four runs and three RBI, including a 3-for-5 effort by ROSS BLONDIN, while Stonecipher and Jusino added two hits each.

Meanwhile, the final two Grossmont relief pitchers -- JOE VEGA, then Stevens -- tossed four innings of shutout ball to keep the Griffins in the contest.

The teams complete the home-and-home series at 2 p.m. Thursday (Mar. 13) at Morley Field in Balboa Park .


Mar. 8: Imperial Valley at Grossmont
(Slideshow by Lisa Craig)
Gay blanks Imperial Valley,
remains perfect at 4-0

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-9-08) -- DARREN GAY was the important yet over-looked component to the Granite Hills High pitching staff last season. Working behind the more heralded ERIC KRAUSE and TRAVIS HOPPER, Gay still posted a 6-1 record and ranked among the East County earned-run average leaders.

Now as a member of Grossmont College, Gay is pegged in the No. 3 slot of the Griffins rotation. Yet he continues to pitch like the team ace.

On Saturday (Mar. 8), the right-hander ran his season record to 4-0 with his best effort of the season, yielding just five hits in Grossmont's 9-0 conquest over Imperial Valley College at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Sat., Mar. 8
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 13, ARABS 2
Imperial Valley
2-13-1 (0-7 PCC)
Grossmont
11-9 (5-2 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Item cf
Bustmnte ss
Velasco 2b
Panela p-1b
Angulo c-p
Tagg 1b
Acevedo c
DFlores 3b
Gomez lf
JJones lf

4 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
4 0 1 0
3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
2 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
 
Stncipher rf
Lucero 2b
Jusino ph-2b
Blondin 3b
Taijeron dh
Miller lf
Spears ss
Thomas cf
Naarro ph-cf
Tenny 1b
Ruiz c
5 1 0 0
3 0 1 0
1 2 1 2
4 0 1 2
4 0 2 1
3 1 1 0
5 1 1 1
3 0 0 0
1 1 1 1
3 1 2 0
3 2 2 0
Totals
31 0 5 0
Totals
35 9 12 7
Imperial Valley
Grossmont
000 000 000 - 0 05 5
000 000 36x - 9 12 1

GWRBI-Jusino.
E-Bustamante, Angulo 2, Lucero, Item, Flores. DP-GC 1. LOB-IVC 5, GC 9. 2B-Blondin, Miller, Ruiz, Panela. 3B-Spears. SB-Lucero, Item, Ruiz. CS-Taijron. S-Gomez, Ruiz. SF-Blondin.

Imperial Valley
Panela L
Angulo
Grossmont
Gay W,4-0
ip
7.0
1.0

9.0

h
10
2

5

r
6
3

0
er
5
0

0
bb
2
1

0
so
5
0

9
Panela faced 3 batters in the 8th.
HBP-by Angulo (Miller). WP-Panela. PB-Angulo.
T-2:28.
And just like in high school, when Gay struck out 39 batters opposed to just a single walk during his season year, he continues to throw strikes. He struck out 9 Arabs, including five on called strikes, to keep the game scoreless until Grossmont's offense finally broke through in the late innings.

Through six frames, IVC starter Sergio Panela was tagged for six earned runs in six innings in the PCC opener last month. This go-round, he yielded just three basehits during the same span until the roof collapsed.

Following a line single by first baseman KEVIN TENNY, catcher DAVID RUIZ laced a perfect hit-and-run basehit to the right side, then stole second to place runners in scoring position.

Pinchhitter TONY JUSINO broke the scoreless contest with a 2-run single, then scored when ROSS BLONDIN followed with a double for a 3-0 advantage.

The Griffins scored six times in the 8th (four unearned), featuring a lead double by JOSH MILLER, followed by an RBI triple by NICK SPEARS. And when pinchhitter ANTHONY NAVARRO singled home Spears, the afternoon for Panela and the Arabs was over.

Tenny and Ruiz, the bottom two hitters in the Griffins lineup, combined to go 4-for-6 with four runs scored. Designated hitter TRAVIS TAIJERON also added 2 of Grossmont's 12 hits, while Blondin added a sacrifice fly to complete a 2-RBI outing.

The Griffins host San Diego City on Tuesday (Mar. 11) at 2 p.m. to open a home-and-home series.


Thurs., Mar. 6
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 13, ARABS 2
Grossmont
10-9 (4-2 PCC)
Imperial Valley
2-12-1 (0-6 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Stncipher cf
Jusino 2b
Lucero 2b
Spears ss
Inzone rf
Miller rf
Taijeron dh
Navarro lf
Moore c
Ruiz c
Martin 3b
SMaden 1b
5 0 2 3
3 1 1 0
2 1 1 0
5 3 1 0
3 0 1 2
0 1 0 0
5 1 1 3
4 2 0 0
2 1 0 0
1 0 1 2
5 2 1 0
4 1 1 1
 
Item cf
Garcia rf
Velasco 2b
Panela 3b
Acevedo c
JFlores c
Angulo dh-p
JJones lf
Liera 1b
SSigla 1b
ARuiz p-lf
Bustamnte ss
4 0 1 2
4 0 0 0
4 0 1 0
4 0 1 0
2 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
2 1 0 0
1 0 0 0
2 0 1 0
3 1 0 0
Totals
39 13 10 11
Totals
32 2 4 2
Grossmont
Imperial Valley
000 215 050 - 13 10 3
000 000 020 - 02 04 4

GWRBI-Inzone.
E-Panela, Item, Bustamonte, Belasco, SMadden, Martin, Spears. LOB-GC 7, IVC 5. 2B-Inzone, Taijeron, Lucero. 3B-DRuiz. SB-Stonecipher.

Grossmont
McClaughry W,3-2
Orozco
TJones
Imperial Valley
Angulo L
Gomez
DFlores
ARuiz
Tagg
ip
7.0
1.0
1.0

5.0
0.2
2.0
0.1
1.0

h
2
2
0

4
2
3
0
1

r
0
2
0

3
5
5
0
0
er
0
2
0

2
5
5
0
0
bb
1
1
0

1
4
2
0
0
so
6
2
1

0
0
0
0
0
HBP-by Gomez (Inzone), by DFlores (Miller). WP-Gomez 2, DFlores. BK-Orozco.
Griffins dust the Arabs

© East County Sports.com
IMPERIAL (3-07-08) -- Even though it was smooth sailing for Grossmont College in Thursday's (Mar. 6) Pacific Coast Conference romp at Imperial Valley College, Griffins coach RANDY ABSHIER wasn't doing cartwheels over the 13-2 victory.

"I keep asking myself, 'How are we winning?'" Abshier said. "Well, I don't know. Sure, we're hitting the ball and playing decent defense. But our pitching isn't anything close to what we need it to be."

Abshier says that despite seven superb innings by sophomore southpaw KEVIN McLAUGHRY in Grossmont's thrashing of Imperial Valley. The Vista High product allowed just 2 hits, walked one and struck out six.

The bullpen, however, let the shutout slip away.

As the Griffins (10-9, 4-2 PCC) continue to hover just above the .500 mark, Abshier points to a pitching staff that has surrendered 171 hits, 75 walks and hit 28 batters in 156.1 innings this season. That amounts to 274 base runners, 117 of whom have scored. Defensively, Grossmont has turned 18 double plays, but committed 39 errors.

"Those are not championship numbers," Abshier said. "Our pitchers have struck out only 108 compared to all those walks and hit batters."

OK, so much for the negative.

Grossmont snapped a scoreless tie in the 4th inning at IVC on JOE INZONE's two-run double to right-center.

SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER slashed a two-run single to cap a five-run 6th. The Arabs permitted two runs to score on wild pitches in that frame.

TRAVIS TAIJERON supplied the key blow -- a three-run double off the right-center field wall -- as the Griffins expanded their advantage to 13-0. DAVID RUIZ contributed a pinch-hit 2-run RBI triple in that frame.

These same two teams will meet Saturday (Mar. 8) at Noel Mickelsen Field at noon.


Tue., Mar. 4
Pacific Coast Conference
JAGUARS 5, GRIFFINS 1
Southwestern
11-7 (5-0 PCC)
Grossmont
9-9 (3-2 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Dennis cf
Manznrz 3b
Bringas 3b
Molina 1b
Miramnts ss
Fariss dh
Comford c
Torres rf
Jordan lf
4 1 1 0
4 0 1 0
4 1 1 0
4 0 1 1
4 1 1 0
2 1 0 0
4 1 3 0
3 0 0 0
4 0 2 3
 
Thomas cf
Miller ph
Stncipher lf
Blondin 3b
Inzone rf
Spears ss
Taijeron dh
Jusino 2b
Sica c
Lucero ph
Moore c
JMadden ph
Jenner 1b
Tenny 1b
Navarro ph
2 0 1 0
1 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
4 0 0 0
4 1 2 0
3 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
1 0 1 0
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
Totals
33 5 10 4
Totals
34 1 6 0
Southwestern
Grossmont
120 011 000 - 5 10 4
000 100 000 - 1 06 2

GWRBI-Molina.
E-Spears, Miramontes 2, Manzanarez 2, Jenner. LOB-SW 9, GC 8. DP-SW 1, GC 3. 2B-Jordan, Bringas. SB-Dennis. S-Torres, Manzanarez.

Southwestern
Stenavich W,3-0
Grossmont
Russell L,2-1
Longpre
Richardson
ip
9.0

5.1
3.1
0.1

h
6

9
1
0

r
1

5
0
0
er
0

4
0
0
bb
3

2
1
0
so
5

3
3
0
HBP-by Russell (Molina), by Longpre (Bringas). WP-Russell 2, Stenavich, Longpre. T-2:26.
Jags keep Grossmont out of first

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-5-08) -- Only one thing prevented Grossmont College from grabbing a share of first place through the first round of Pacific Coast Conference play: Southwestern starting pitcher Daniel Stenavich.

Stenavich, a right-hander out of Serra High, survived four errors by yielding just six singles in tossing a complete game, lifting the Jaguars to Tuesday's (Mar. 4) 5-1 decision over the Griffins at Noel Mickelsen Field.

"Our defense comes through for me all the time, so a rough game is alright," noted Stenavich. "I was able to back them up, because they're there to back me up."

The pitcher overcame all of his defense's miscues except one, as a ground ball by Grossmont second baseman TONY JUSINO skipped through the 5-hole (legs) of the Jag shortstop, allowing right fielder JOE INZONE (who went 2-for-4) to score in the 4th inning to trim Southwestern's lead to 3-1.

However, except for the continued hot hitting of left fielder SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER, who also registered two singles to hit safely in 7 of his last 9 official times at bat, the rest of the Grossmont lineup collected just two basehits.

"My fastball was working, but the curve was a bit off, so I went to my slider which was working -- I was able to throw strikes with it," Stenavich added."

Meanwhile, Griffins starter GARRETT RUSSELL was unlucky early despite a strong performance. Russell was tagged for an unearned run in the 1st, then two more scored in the 2nd when the outfield lost a ball in the sun, resulting in a 2-run double for Jared Jordan.

The G-House bullpen was also solid, as BRIAN LONGPRE allowed just one hit over 3 1/3 innings, followed by AARON RICHARDSON retiring the lone batter he faced.

Grossmont (9-9 overall), now resting in third place behind Southwestern and second-standing Palomar, opens a home-and-home series with Imperial Valley on the road Thursday (Mar. 6) at 2 p.m., then noon Saturday (Mar. 15) at home.


Sat., Mar. 1
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 12, OLYMPIANS 5
Grossmont
9-8 (3-1 PCC)
San Diego Mesa
3-10 (1-3 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Thomas cf
Stncipher lf
Blondin 3b
Martin 3b
Inzone rf
Miller ph
Worthy rf
Spears ss
JMadden ph
Ruiz c
Jusino 2b
Navarro dh
Tenny 1b
Jenner 1b
3 2 0 0
4 4 3 3
3 1 2 1
1 0 0 0
3 1 0 2
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
4 0 1 2
4 1 2 1
0 0 0 0
3 1 0 0
5 2 1 1
3 0 0 0
2 0 0 1
 
Epperson ss
Boyer cf
Tupuola 3b
Tanida 3b
Mickens dh
Lopez 1b
Mago 1b
Larson c
Coleman c
Cusumano rf
Carrusco rf
Emigh lf
Kleist lf
Phillips 2b
4 1 3 1
4 1 1 2
3 0 0 0
2 0 2 1
5 1 0 0
2 0 1 0
2 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
1 0 1 0
2 0 0 0
0 1 0 0
2 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
3 1 2 0
Totals
36 12 9 11
Totals
34 5 10 4
Grossmont
San Diego Mesa
202 231 110 - 12 09 1
001 000 004 - 05 10 3

GWRBI-Spears.
E-Jusino, Epperson, Tupuola, Phillips. LOB-GC 12, Mesa 9. 2B-Stonecipher, Spears, Epperson 2. 3B-Stonecipher. HR-Stonecipher (2), 4th, one on. SB-Thomas. SF-Spears.

Grossmont
Gay W,3-0
Barrington
Swan
Stevens
San Diego Mesa
Flores L
Nematbaklsh
Wynn
Peabody
Davis
ip
6.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

4.0
2.2
0.1
2.0
2.0

h
4
0
2
4

6
0
0
3
0

r
1
0
0
4

8
1
1
1
1
er
1
0
0
3

8
1
0
1
0
bb
0
1
1
1

4
2
4
0
2
so
1
0
1
0

2
0
0
1
1
HBP-by Gay (Phillips), by Flores (Inzone, Spears), by Nematbaklsh (Taijeron). BK-Gay.
Stonecipher falls a single short

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (3-2-08) -- SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER narrowly missed hitting for the cycle Saturday (Mar. 1) as Grossmont College smacked San Diego Mesa 12-5 to move into a tie for 2nd place with Palomar in the Pacific Coast Conference.

The only missing piece in Stonecipher's bid for the cycle was a single, although he reached base in his final at-bat on an error.

"Sequoyah lined the ball right at the third baseman, but it was an error, all the way," said Grossmont College coach RANDY ABSHIER.

The Olympians were unable to get Stonecipher out in six at-bats. The freshman from Mission Bay walked in the 1st, tripled in the 3rd, hit a 2-run homer to right-center in the 4th, walked in the 5th and doubled in the 7th before reaching base on an error in the 8th. He scored 4 runs.

In four PCC games, Stonecipher has reached base in 15 of 21 at-bats.

Grossmont pounded out 9 hits and capitalized on 13 walks and 3 hit batters.

DARREN GAY checked Mesa (3-10, 1-3 PCC) on 4 hits and one run over 6 innings to post his 3rd victory in as many decisions. The freshman out of Granite Hills lowered his ERA to 1.90 over 23 2/3 innings. He walked one and struck out 12.

Grossmont (9-8, 3-1 PCC) hosts conference-leading Southwestern (10-7, 4-0 PCC) on Tuesday (Mar. 4) at 2 p.m.


Grossmont third baseman Ross Blondin
circles third base following his 4th homer
of the season Thursday against Palomar.
(Photo by Rick Rowell)

Thurs., Feb. 28
Pacific Coast Conference
COMETS 8, GRIFFINS 6
Palomar
7-8 (3-0 PCC)
Grossmont
8-8 (2-1 PCC)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Rodriguez ss
Blackburn 2b
Ho 3b
Laws c
JJones dh
Joyce lf
Hamilton lf
Onarato rf
Saladino ss
Frnkfrth 1b
Pickens ph
Sanford 1b
5 1 2 0
2 2 0 0
4 2 2 1
3 0 1 0
3 0 1 3
4 1 2 1
0 0 0 0
4 1 2 1
3 1 2 2
2 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
 
Thomas cf
Stncipher lf
Blondin 3b
Lucero pr
Inzone rf
Spears ss
Taijeron dh
Jusino 2b
Sica c
JMadden ph
Moore c
Jenner 1b
3 1 0 0
5 0 0 1
3 2 1 2
0 0 0 0
5 0 1 0
4 0 2 1
3 0 0 0
4 1 3 0
2 0 0 0
1 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
4 1 1 0
Totals
31 8 12 8
Totals
35 6 9 4
Palomar
Grossmont
300 102 200 - 8 12 4
110 010 300 - 6 09 0

GWRBI-Ho.
E-Saladino 2, Davidson 2. DP-Pal 1, GC 3. LOB-Pal 5, GC 7. 2B-Onarato, Jusino 2. HR-Blondin (4), 5th, solo; Saladino, 6th, one on. CS-Ho, Thomas. S-Laws 2, Saladino, Thomas. SF-JJones, Blondin.

Palomar
Shore W,2-0
Davidson
Strom
Ferguson
Sharp S,1
Grossmont
McClaughrey L
Longpre
Nelson
ip
5.0
1.1
0.2
1.1
0.2

6.0
1.0
2.0

h
6
2
0
1
0

11
1
0

r
3
3
0
0
0

6
2
0
er
2
1
0
0
0

6
2
0
bb
1
1
0
1
0

0
2
0
so
7
0
1
1
1

3
1
2
HBP-by McClaughrey 3 (Blackburn 2, Frankfurth). T-2:53.
Griffins can't muster a catchup

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-29-08) -- The first round to determine supremacy in the Pacific Coast Conference went the way of Palomar College on Thursday (Feb. 28), as the Comets scored three times in the 1st inning, then staved of several Grossmont College rallies to tip the Griffins, 8-6, at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Palomar desiginated hitter Jarend Jones capped the game-opening rally with a 2-run single, then later added a sacrifice fly in the 7th.

Grossmont stayed in contention with single runs in the 1st, 2nd and 5th, capped by ROSS BLONDIN's fourth home run of the season. His two-out blast to right trimmed the deficit to 4-3.

However, Comets shortstop Tyler Saladino answered with a 2-run homer in the 7th for an 8-3 advantage, The Griffins countered with three markers in the 7th, when pinchhitter JARED MADDEN and first baseman GARRETT JENNER opened with consecutive singles.

A sacrifice bunt by CLIFTON THOMAS turned into a mad scramble when the Palomar pitcher committed two errors. He dropped the ball to allow Thomas to reach, and when his throw bounded into right field, Madden circled the bases.

SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER pushed Jenner home with a grounder to the right side, then Thomas scored on a sacrifice fly.

Tue., Feb. 26
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 9, KNIGHTS 6
Grossmont
8-7 (2-0 PCC)
San Diego City
9-4 (0-1)
ab r hbi
ab r h bi
Thomas cf
Stncipher lf
Blondin 3b
Inzone rf
Spears ss
Taijeron dh
Navarro pr
Jenner 1b
Sica c
Miller ph
Moore c
Ruiz c
Jusino 2b
Taylor dh
Sanders dh
6 2 1 0
3 1 2 2
3 1 1 1
4 1 1 0
5 0 2 2
4 1 3 0
0 1 0 0
3 1 0 1
3 1 0 0
1 0 1 1
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
4 0 1 0
0 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
 
Dew cf
Long 2b
Berentskie lf
Harvey 3b
Roman 1b
Coons rf
Glaze ss
Sancho ss
Ortiz ph
Cann c
Stith c
Gorski ph
Flores c
5 1 0 0
2 1 0 0
4 1 1 1
5 0 1 0
4 0 0 0
2 1 0 1
1 1 1 0
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
1 1 0 0
1 0 1 0
Totals
36 9 12 7
Totals
30 6 6 2
Grossmont
San Diego City
004 210 101 - 9 12 2
000 060 000 - 6 05 2

GWRBI-Stonecipher.
E-Dwyer, Richardson, Harvey , Glaze. LOB-GC 10, SDCC 9. 2B-Spears, Taijeron, Flores. HR-Stonecipher (1), 3rd, one on. SB-Stonecipher 2, Dew, Long. CS-Jusino, Taijeron. S-Cann, Gorski.

Grossmont
Russell
Dwyer
Richardson
Vega W,1-0
Longpre
Stevens S,3
San Diego City
Esaias L
Whitmore
Kuhaulua
ip
4.0
0.1
0.1
1.0
2.1
1.0

3.1
3.2
2.0

h
1
1
0
0
2
1

7
3
2

r
2
2
2
0
0
0

6
2
1
er
0
0
0
0
0
0

4
7
1
bb
5
0
4
1
0
0

4
2
1
so
2
0
0
0
5
0

5
1
1
Russell faced 2 batters in the 5th.
HBP-by Vega (Gorski); by Whitmore (Jenner); by Kuhaulua (Moore). PB-Cann. BK-Vega.
Grossmont brought the potential game-tying run to the plate following TONY JUSINO's second double of the game, but Palomar reliever Mitchell Ferguson got pinchhitter Jared Madden to line out to right. Then in the 9th, the Griffins placed two runners on base, courtesy of a walk and an error, but Keagan Sharp coaxed a groundball to garner his first save of the season.

Grossmont next plays at San Diego Mesa, starting at noon Saturday.


Griffins make it two in a row

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (2-27-08) Freshman outfielder SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER knows how to get on base. He's reached safely in nine of his first 10 Pacific Coast Conference at-bats with five hits and four walks. He's also scored four runs and stolen three bases.

Nice start.

It was Stonecipher's power that ignited liftoff in Grossmont's 9-6 conference victory over San Diego City College Tuesday (Feb. 26) at Morley Field. The Mission Bay High graduate followed a single by CLIFTON THOMAS with a home run to start a 4-run 3rd inning.

"It was a bomb to dead center,' Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said of Stonecipher's first collegiate home run.

NICK SPEARS continued that scoring burst in the 3rd with a two-run double for the Griffins (8-7, 2-0 PCC).

Six Grossmont pitchers shared mound duty, but surrendered 10 walks and hit two batters. All six of the runs scored by the Knights (9-4, 0-1 PCC) in the 5th inning were unearned.

Grossmont hosts Palomar in its PCC home opener on Thursday (Feb. 28) at 2 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 23
Pacific Coast Conference
GRIFFINS 13, ARABS 1
Grossmont
7-7 (1-0 PCC)
Imperial Valley
2-9-1 (0-1)
ab r h bi
ab r h bi
Jusino 2b
Lecero 2b
Stncipher cf
Navarro cf
Blondin 3b
Martin 3b
Inzone rf
Spears ss
Taijeron dh
JMadden lf
Miller rf
SMadden 1b
Penny 1b
Sica c
Ruiz c
5 2 1 0
0 0 0 0
3 3 3 0
0 0 0 0
4 2 1 1
1 0 0 0
6 3 2 1
6 0 3 4
5 2 2 1
3 0 1 0
3 0 0 0
3 1 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 1 1
2 0 0 0
 
Item cf
Garcia rf
Belasco 2b
Panella dh-p
Acevedo c
Angulo ss
Jones ph
Liera 1b
Bstamnte 3b
Gomez lf
4 0 0 0
4 0 2 0
4 1 1 0
4 0 1 0
4 0 0 0
3 0 0 1
1 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
4 0 0 0
3 0 2 0
Totals
45 13 14 8
Totals
33 1 6 1
Grossmont
Imperial Valley
110 034 040 - 13 14 2
000 100 000 - 01 06 7
GWRBI-none.
E-Blondin 2, Angulo 4, Gomez, Belasco 2. LOB-GC 12, IVC 4. 2B-Spears. 3B-Taijeron. SB-SMadden, Taijeron, Stonecipher.
Grossmont
Longpre W,1-2
Gay
Dwyer
Swan
Imperial Valley
Panela L
Ruiz
Flores
ip
6.0
1.0
1.0
1.0

5.0
3.0
1.0

h
5
1
0
0

6
7
1

r
5
1
0
0

6
7
1
er
5
1
0
0

6
7
1
bb
5
1
0
0

6
7
1
so
5
1
0
0

6
7
1
HBP-by Panela (SMadden), by Ruiz (SMadden). WP-Panella 2. PB-Acevedo.


Griffins drill Arabs in PCC opener

© East County Sports.com
IMPERIAL (2-23-08) — After rain raised havoc with the Grossmont Griffins non-conference schedule for 11 days, coach RANDY ABSHIER’s ballclub finally found decent weather, a dry field and pounded out a victory.

Grossmont opened the Pacific Coast Conference season with a 13-1 romp over host Imperial Valley College Saturday (Feb. 23) in the desert. NICK SPEARS led the charge, driving in four runs with a bases-loaded double and a pair of singles.

SEQUOYAH STONECIPHFER did his share for the Griffins (7-7, 1-0 PCC) by reaching base in all five of his at-bats. He singled three times, walked twice, stole a base and scored three runs.

Designated hitter TRAVIS TAIJERON was 2-for-5 with an RBI triple.

“We have some guys who are hitting the ball well,” Abshier said. “Spears is hitting .414 with nine doubles and (ROSS) BLONDIN has 18 RBI. Stonecipher is at .385 and Taijeron and (NICK) SICA are both batting .364.”

Four Grossmont pitchers combined to throw a six-hitter at IVC (2-9-1, 0-1). Starter BRIAN LONGPRE worked the first six innings to pick up the win.

Grossmont next travels to Morley Field on Tuesday (Feb. 26) to face San Diego City in a PCC contest at 2 p.m. Monday Update -- Spears was named an honorable mention Pacific Coast Conference athlete of the week for his performance.


Wed., Feb. 20
Irvine Valley at Grossmont, ccd., rain

Thursday washout; Friday,too.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-14-08) -- Grossmont College has done as well as anyone in avoiding postponement issues, either switching sites or dates prior to the arrival of rains. For their schedule juggling, the Griffins are one of the few teams in the Southland to have completed every game on the schedule.

However, that changed on Thursday (Feb. 14), when unexpected heavy rains (well, heavier than anticipated) forced a postponement against Glendale at Noel Mickelsen Field. Friday's game with Chaffey was also eliminated by weather.


Panthers, sunset, down Grossmont

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO CUCAMONGA (2-13-08) -- Grossmont College, which was finding it difficult to score in the early innings all season, jumped on host Chaffey with three runs in the 1st inning. However, the Panthers stormed back to take a 13-8 non-conference victory Tuesday (Feb. 12) in a contest called after seven innings because of darkness.

Things started out dandy for the Griffins (6-7), as TONY JUSINO singled, CLIFTON THOMAS walked and ROSS BLONDIN followed with a booming home run to dead center field at Chaffey. Simple. Three batters, three runs.

Before Grossmont would score again, the Panthers (4-4) were leading 8-3 after 4 innings.

TRAVIS TAIJERON was 2-for-4 with a double and one RBI for Grossmont, which also got two hits and a run from SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER. Jusino scored 3 runs and Blondin scored twice.

Chaffey out-hit the Griffins 14-8.

Grossmont returns home for 2 p.m. games against Glendale on Wednesday (Feb. 13) and Chaffey on Thursday (Feb. 14).

Blondin's 5-for-5 outing leads G-House

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-11-08) -- A week of frustration while searching for run production from the heart of the Grossmont College batting order ended Sunday (Feb.10) when the revolving door finally settled on third baseman ROSS BLONDIN and right-fielder JOE INZONE.

Blondin, batting third in the line-up, completed a perfect 5-for-5 afternoon, while the clean-up hitting Inzone drove in three runs including a pair on a mammoth 2-run homer, powering the Griffins (6-6) to a 13-7 triumph over College of the Desert (4-4) in the final round of the Jaguar Classic.

“Sure, we wanted to do better in the tournament,” said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER of a 1-3 record in the event. “But being at least at .500 and carrying some momentum will help up going into Tuesday’s game against (second-ranked) Chaffey.”

Abshier utilized a host of combinations among the Griffins’ 3-4 batters, but a long week saw the various pairs post a mild .208 (5-for-24) batting average. However, Blondin quickly end the slump with a booming double in the 1st, then demonstrated some hustle to key a 6-run outburst in the 3rd.

With Grossmont leading 2-1 on a 2nd-inning home run by TRAVIS TAIJERON, Blondin opened the next inning by legging out a slow roller to the right side. On the next pitch, Inzone, a freshman out of Steele Canyon High, boomed a deep shot which cleared the Astrology Department observatory in deep right field for a 4-2 lead.

Later, four additional runs scored on RBI by NICK SICA (hit by pitch with the bases loaded), TONY JUSINO (sacrifice fly), CLIFTON THOMAS (basehit) and Blondin (another single).

“I’m just glad to finally win,” said Blondin. “That rally put us on our way.”

After going 5-for-5, Blondin had a chance to equal the school record for a 9-inning game, coming to the plate with the bases loaded in the 8th. However, the left-hander was hit by a pitch -- still, it was good for another RBI.

Meanwhile, Griffins starting pitcher DARREN GAY lasted seven innings to gain the victory. Although allowing 11 hits, the Roadrunners never produced a multiple-run inning while Grossmont did so four times during Gay’s stint to leave with a 12-4 lead.

He struck out 5 without issuing a walk.

Following the road contest against Chaffey, the Griffins complete a stretch of 12-of-14 at Noel Mickelsen Field by entertaining Glendale (Thursday) and Chaffey (Friday), both at 2 p.m.


Downturn hits Grossmont

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-10-08) -- Entering the week riding a 3-game winning streak, Grossmont College ’s fortunes suddenly reversed into a 4-game tailspin after dropping a pair of Saturday (Feb. 9) contests in the annual Jaguar Classic tournament. The Griffins dropped to 0-3 in the tournament with a pair of setbacks at Noel Mickelsen Field.

In the opener, Grossmont committed six errors, making six of the first seven runs allowed to be unearned in an 11-3 setback to East Los Angeles (5-1).

In Game Two, El Camino first baseman Ramon Martinez slugged a 3-run homer to cap a 6-run rally in the 4th inning, leading the Warriors (5-2) to an 11-8 decision. Five of the half-dozen runs in the rally were also unearned as the Griffins defense suddenly disappeared after turning double plays at a near-record pace during the first two weeks of the season.

Against East L.A. ’s Huskies, the lone Grossmont highlight was a 2-run double by pinchhitter DALLAS MARTIN (Santana) in the 8th inning, as three Griffins pinchhitters slammed doubles over the final three innings. The others were by GARRETT JENNER and JOE INZONE.

In the nightcap with El Camino, Grossmont jumped to a quick 4-1 lead, capped by a 2-run single by Jenner. After the Warriors took an 11-5 lead, the Griffins pushed three runs across in the 9th, but a basrunner ran through a stop sign at third base and was easily thrown out at the plate to end the game, instead of leaving the hosts with a bases-loaded situation.

Grossmont hopes to end the ugliness Sunday (Feb. 10), completing the tournament with an 11 a.m. start against College of the Desert at Noel Mickelson Field.


Griffins avoid no-hit bid

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON -- Orange Coast College sophomore Brandon Dixon carried a no-hitter into the 9th inning, leading the Pirates to a 4-0 victory over host Grossmont College in Friday's (Feb. 8) opening contest of Southwestern College's Jaguar Classic.

Dixon, a left-hander out of Tustin High, lasted 8 1/3 innings before Grossmont second baseman TONY JUSINO laced a line double to the gap in right-center field. Dixon , who transfered from Cypress College during the off-season, then exited, with shortstop Brett Wallach coming on to get the next two Griffins on strikeouts for the 1-hit shutout.

"I've been waiting for this start for a long time," said Dixon . "I went to Cypress out of high school, but they told me I wasn't in their plans and that I couldn't pitch. So I was hungry to get out there."

Grossmont had three chances for hits in the early going, but both were taken away by the OCC defense.

The best chance came in the 2nd inning, when Griffins left fielder Josh Miller hit a sinking liner to left, only to see the Pirates' Chris Fung race in to make a sliding catch on his belly.

Later, Coast third baseman Drew Hillman snared a hot grounder by Miller with a back-hand grab for the 2nd out in the 5th. Then OCC right-fielder Mike Ferraro went to the wall to snare a deep fly ball by Jusino to end the 6th.

Pirates centerfielder Cory Olson (2-for-5) registered RBI singles in the 1st and 9th innings, both times scoring Fung, who went went 2-for-4 with a walk. Ferrero capped the rally in the 9th with a 2-run double.

Dixon registerd 5 strikeouts, then his defense turned an inning-ending double play in the 8th to set up the dramatic 9th. He set the side down in order 4 times.

"After Chris (Fung) made that diving catch, I actually started thinking about the no-hitter in the 3rd inning, which I know is early," admitted Dixon . "But with the way the boys were playing behind me, I really thought I had a chance, but by the 9th, I was really throwing on fumes."

The Griffins continue tournament play with a pair of contests Saturday, hosting East Los Angeleds at 10 a.m., then El Camino at 2 p.m.

Grossmont has never lost by a no-hitter in the school's 47-year baseball history.
Metroka's blasts top Griffins

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON -- Compton College sophomore third baseman Nathan Metroka slugged a pair of home runs to mark his return to San Diego County a successful one, leading the Tartars past host Grossmont College, 7-6, in Thursday's (Feb. 7) non-conference contest at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Metroka, who prepped at Mission Bay High, went to the opposite field with a 2-run shot in the 3rd, helping build a lead which reached 4-0. But after Grossmont took a 6-4 lead by scoring five times in the 5th, the Griffins elected to pitch to Metroka in the 7th with two runners on and an open base at first.

However, the transfer from Los Angeles City College laced a 1-0 pitch over the wall in left field for a 3-run homer. He finished batting 4-for-4 with 5 RBI, scoring 3 times, then was intentionally walked in the 9th.

"For some reason, I didn't think they would pitch around me, then I just went with the pitch" noted Metroka. "I like being here -- I like what coach Shannon (Williams) is doing to build up our program."

The other pair of runs by Compton (4-2) came on a throwing error after Metroka stole third base and waltzed home in the 1st. In the 4th, a ground ball to the right side by shortstop Darrell Hudson allowed Eiton Barker to score from third.

Grossmont's big rally featured run-scoring hits by CLIFTON THOMAS, NICK SPEARS (double) and JARED MADDEN to tie the ballgame, followed by a go-ahead 2-run single by catcher TRAVIS TAIJERON. Spears registered two of the Griffins' 8 hits.

Meanwhile, it was a difficult outing for Griffins starting right fielder JOE INZONE.

The Steele Canyon High product belted what many thought was a leadoff homer in the 2nd, but the base umpire ruled the ball hooked foul before it reached the pole. An inning later, Inzone was forced from the game after crashing into the wall on Metroka's initial homer.

Grossmont (5-3), which had its 3-game winning streak snapped, continue the homestand as a site for the Jaguar Classic. The Griffins will play four contests over three days, beginning with Friday's 10:30 a.m. affair with Orange Coast.


K-Mac honored by PCC

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (2-5-08) -- Grossmont College pitcher KEVIN McCLAUGHRY was joined Palomar College basketball player Josh Firmes as the Pacific Coast Conference male athletes of the week.

McClaughry, a sophomore out of Vista High, registered the most dominating performance of the earlt season, tossing a 2-hit shutout in the Griffins' 8-0 pasting of Pasadena City College in the opening round of thr 15th annial Noel Mickelsen Invitational.

The left-hander struck out two Lancers, yielding only two singles and a walk in his best outing since allowing just 1 hit over 7 innings against San Diego Mesa last season.

McClaughry only allowed a 1-out single to Justin Zialcita in the 3rd, but the runner was picked-off at first by K-Mac, then an 8th-inning single by Christian Marmol was erased by the second of two double plays turned by the Griffins.

Honorable mention went to Grossmont basketball standout AARON TINSLEY (Helix HS), who had team-high scoring outputs in a pair of Griffins victories to lift the team into sole possession of second place.

Among the women, honorable mention went to Grossmont women's basketball center SHATORI DEARMAN, a 6-1 freshman from Eastlake High School, who posted 16 points and 10 rebounds in a loss at Imperial Valley.


Grossmont sweeps Mickelsen Tournament
Defeat Cerro Coso, 4-2; West L.A., 9-8

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-3-08) -- The experience factor proved prevalent in the early-season success of the Grossmont Griffins.

Case in point is sophomore relief pitcher ROBERT STEVENS, who saved both of Saturday's (Feb. 2) ballgames to give Grossmont a 3-game sweep in the 15th annual Noel Mickelsen Invitational.

Stevens tossed the final 2 1/3 innings to give the victory to starting pitcher GARRETT RUSSELL in a 4-2 triumph over Cerro Coso.

In the wild second game, the Griffins' bullpen wasted a 5-0 lead, but after Grossmont scored three times in the 8th inning to reclaim the lead, Stevens set West Los Angeles down in order in the 9th in a 9-8 decision.

“We always seem to have someone to do the job,” said Stevens, who graduated from Helix High in 2003. “We all just clutched up.”

Stevens was the workhorse of the Highlanders pitching staff as both a starter and closer. He appeared in an East County high 20 contests as a senior, earning 7 saves -- one short of the school record (Matt Haar, 1982).

“When I graduated, I went to Southwestern because it was the right place for me at the time,” noted Stevens. “But I’m really glad to now be at Grossmont.”

Ironically, both the Griffins (5-2) and Southwestern (4-0) posted 3-0 records in the tournament to put up the season’s best starts among Pacific Coast Conference ballclubs.

In defeating Cerro Coso and West Los Angeles, the Griffins topped two extremely young teams, especially West L.A. , which is fielding its first baseball team in more than 20 years.

“For a first-year team, West L.A. is a quality team considering that they’re all freshmen,” noted Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. “But Stevens definitely showed his experience.”

In the opener, Grossmont leaped to a 3-0 lead on consecutive run-scoring doubles by JOSH MILLER and KEVIN TENNY in the 6th. However, the Coyotes (2-4) struck for two off Russell in the 7th before Stevens was summoned to escape a bases-loaded jam. He coaxed a pop-out to shortstop NICK SPEARS to end the threat, then added two shutout innings.

In game two, the Griffins raced to a 5-0 lead through three frames, capped by a 2-run basehit by centerfielder CLIFTON THOMAS. However, Oilers rightfielder Ricky Gutierrez answered with a 2-run homer in the 5th, then a 2-run double in the 7th, then West L.A. scored four more times in the 8th for an 9-6 lead.

So Grossmont went to its veterans to pull out the victory.

Thomas bombed a lead-off triple, scoring on the next pitch on Stonecipher’s double to an identical spot to the wall in left-centerfield. Sophomore TONY JUSINO tied the game with an RBI single, then the Oilers’ 5th error on a grounder by pinchhitter GARRETT JENNER allowed pinchrunner TIM WORTHY to score.

Stevens, one of two players alive the last time West L.A. fielded a team, then set the Oilers (2-3) down on a soft grounder and a pair of strikeouts.

Thomas finished batting 3-for-3 with a pair of walks to reach base on all five plate appearances.


McClaughry, Blondin allow
Griffins to bounce back


© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-2-08) -- Following a gut-wrenching loss to top-ranked Santa Ana , Grossmont College demonstrated the wherewithal to rebound with an impressive performance.

Riding the arm of KEVIN McCLAUGHRY, the left-hander from Vista tossed a 2-hit shutout in the Griffins' 8-0 whipping of Pasadena City College in Noel Mickelsen Tournament action Friday (Feb. 1).

McClaughry struck out 2 batters, yielding just 2 basehits and a walk in his best outing since tossing seven innings of 1-hit ball against San Diego Mesa during his freshman campaign.

"Everything was working and the defense kept making plays behind me," said McClaughry. "This game will really help us down the road."

Last season, following a bad setback, the Griffins didn't always get off the ground. So far this season, all aspects of the ballclub have responded impressively.

"We're getting the job done," added McClaughry. "That's all that counts right now."

ROSS BLONDIN paced the offense with 4 RBI, including a 3-run homer to right in the 8th to propel Grossmont (3-2) to a 7-0 advantage. He also lifted a sacrifice fly in the 6th for a 4-0 lead.

Catcher NICK SICA opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 4th, followed by a bases loaded walk to centerfielder CLIFTON THOMAS. An inning later, shortstop NICK SPEARS slapped a double to the left-field corner, scoring on a basehit by second baseman TONY JUSINO.

Blondin then busted the game open with his blast, set-up on a series of walks to Sica and Thomas, as four Pasadena pitchers combined to walk 11 Griffins and hit 2 batters.

In the 9th, hustling pinchrunner TIM WORTHY broke up a double play attempt at second base, forcing a wild throw to first base which allowed first baseman SEAN MADDEN to score from third.

Meanwhile, McClaughry allowed a 1-out single to Justin Zialcita in the 3rd, but the runner was picked-off at first by K-Mac, then an 8th-inning single by Christian Marmol was erased by the second of two double plays turned by the Griffins.

For the contest, McClaughry registered 14 groundball outs (including a pair of double plays) and picked off two baserunners. Pasadena stranded just two runners.

"That's exactly what we're looking for from our starting pitching," said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. "And the team rallied behind him, too."

Grossmont plays two games on Saturday's MicKelsen Tournamenrt schedule. The Griffins host Cerro Coso at 10 a.m., then meet the revived program from West Los Angeles at 2 p.m.

No. 1 Santa Ana wins on walk-off grand slam

© East County Sports.com
SANTA ANA (1-30-08) — For five innings Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 29) Grossmont College was on line to knock off the No. 1-ranked team in Southern California.

This 9th-inning grounder by Santa Ana College's
Caleb Boyer was not fielded cleanly, allowing
two runs to score to tie Tuesday's ballgame.
The top-ranked Dons won, 11-7, in 10 innings.
(Santa Ana College courtesy photo)

The Griffins (2-2) carried a 7-0 lead into the bottom of the 5th inning at Santa Ana College. After that, however, the Grossmont bats fell silent, the defense became porous, and the pitchers lost control.

Santa Ana scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th and 4 more in the last of the 10th inning to steal an 11-7 victory over the upset-minded Griffins. Casey Rihn slugged a grand slam with one out in the extra frame to decide the issue. That blow came after the Griffins committed 2 errors and the Dons generated just one hit to tie the game in the 9th.

“That one really hurt,” lamented Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. “We gave them 6 unearned runs. You can’t get away with stuff like that against a quality team.”

Grossmont pounded out 6 hits to break a scoreless deadlock with 5 runs in the 4th inning. SEAN MADDEN’s two-run home run was the key blow.

An RBI single by ROSS BLONDIN and a run-scoring double by JOE INZONE extended Grossmont’s advantage to 7-0 in the top of the 5th.

The Griffins hammered out 11 hits in their first five turns at bat, including 3-for-5 efforts by NICK SPEARS and Blondin. Spears laced a pair of doubles, while Blondin smacked one two-base hit and collected 2 RBI. CLIFTON THOMAS was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Over the final five frames, Grossmont was blanked on three hits.

“We struck out 13 times in this game, and seven of those came in the last five innings,” Abshier said.

Grossmont starting pitcher DARREN GAY took a perfect game into the 5th inning and left with a 7-1 lead.

“Gay deserved better,” Abshier said.


Kennedy memorial sparks Russell

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-27-08) -- Knowing that Grossmont College head coach RANDY ABSHIER would hand the ball to starting pitcher GARRETT RUSSELL had extra meaning to the sophomore transfer from San Diego Christian College.

"I was speaking with my parents about it this morning at breakfast," noted Russell. "This game was a tribute to JOE KENNEDY, and since we're both starting pitchers -- and both left-handers -- getting the start for this game really meant something to me."

And Russell pitched like it.

Overcoming a pair of early jams, Russell allowed just one earned run to gain the complete-game victory in the Griffins' 9-2 conquest over San Bernardino Valley College at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Prior to Saturday's (Jan.26) home opener, a ceremony honoring the late major league pitcher -- who honed his skills at El Cajon Valley High and Grossmont College -- was held, with the players announcing that the season would be played in Kennedy's honor.

Then Russell went to the mound and emulated one of Kennedy's many fine starts.

After allowing 10 baserunners in the first four innings, Russell escaped by allowing just two runs (one earned), then settled in to blank the Wolverines over the final five frames. And he had some help along the way.

Grossmont turned four double plays behind Russell, including a key conversion in the 4th inning when SBVC had already taken a 2-1 lead on an unearned run.

"GARRETT (JENNER) made a great pick at first base," Russell recalled. "That was the play which kept me in the game and turned everything around."

Grossmont shortstop NICK SPEARS made a nice play in simply reaching a grounder up the middle which hit off the glove of Russell by opposing shortstop Dustin Williams. Spear changed directions to get to the ball, stepped on second base, and despite a throw in the dirt, Jenner made the scoop on the bang-bang play at first to end the inning.

Grossmont went on to score 8 unanswered runs, including 4 in the 8th on a 2-run double by SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER, followed immediately by a 2-run homer to right by ROSS BLONDIN.

"Garrett pitched an exceptional game, and the pick at first by the other Garrett was a great play, too," noted Abshier. "The whole game was centered around what we do on the mound, and that's where we going to win games this year. All of the other little mistakes we can fix."

Blondin batted 3-for-4, with an RBI double in the 7th, a walk and scored twice. Second baseman TONY JUSINO added three of Grossmont's 13 hits, also scoring twice from the leadoff spot.

"Last year, we had an especially young team, but now we have a good mix of older and younger players," added Abshier. "You can see the difference in how we handle tough situations and not get rattled."

GRIFFINS 9, WOLVERINES 2
SBVC (1-2)
GC (2-1)
001 100 000 - 2 10 2
010 200 24x - 9 13 2

Robinson, Victoria (7), Veleker (8) and Baker; Russell and Sica. W-Russell (1-0). L-Robinson (0-1). HR-Blondin (G), 8th, one on.

Stonecipher and freshman catcher NICK SICA each added two hits, while Jenner also used his bat with a sacrifice fly in the 7th. Sica's second hit tied the game in the 5th, then Stonecipher knocked home Jusino with a go-ahead basehit later in the inning.

Grossmont took the 3-game, season-opening series, 2-1. The Griffins return home Tuesday, hosting Santa Ana at 2 p.m.


Griffins split opening twinbill

© East County Sports.com
SAN BERNARDINO (1-25-08) — Grossmont College opened the season with a split of a non-conference doubleheader at San Bernardino Valley College Friday (Jan. 25) afternoon.

Kennedy to be remembered
in home opener

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-24-08) -- Former Grossmont College and El Cajon Valley High standout JOE KENNEDY, who lived his childhood dream by becoming a major league baseball player before passing away late November, will be honored Saturday (Jan. 26) when the Griffins play their home opener at Noel Michelsen Field.

UPDATE: Ceremonies will start at 12:50 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m. single game against San Bernardino Valley College. The changes were due to field conditions from the recent rain. MORE HERE

San Bernardino won the opener 14-8 before sophomore southpaw KEVIN McCLAUGHRY earned the Griffins a split with a complete game 6-1 victory in the nightcap. Both contests went seven innings. The same two teams meet at Noel Mickelsen Field Saturday at 1 p.m.

McClaughry was touched up for 10 hits, while striking out 4 and walking only one.

Transfer NICK SPEARS, who batted .421 in Pacific Coast Conference play at San Diego City as a freshman, led Grossmont’s second game charge with three hits including a pair of doubles. He drove in a run and scored one.

Returning second baseman TONY JUSINO was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base. SEQUOYAH STONECIPHER, a freshman out of Mission Bay High, was 2-for-3 with a triple and a double.

The Griffins started fast, scoring 4 runs in the top of the 1st inning of the opener. But just as quickly Grossmont pitching surrendered 7 runs in the bottom of the inning.

JOE INZONE, a product of Steele Canyon , drove in three runs with a pair of hits in the opener for Grossmont. CLIFTON THOMAS was 1-for-2 with a pair of steals, 2 walks and 2 runs scored.

Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER was pleased with the Griffins’ offensive work and the pitching of McClaughry.

The Griffins return 10 players from last year’s 20-24 club. The list includes pitchers AARON RICHARDSON, BRIAN LONGPRE, GARRETT RUSSELL, THOMAS WILEY, and McClaughry; infielders ROSS BLONDIN and Jusino; and outfielders Thomas, JOSH MILLER and GARRETT JENNER.

Top Grossmont newcomers include catchers TRAVIS TAIJERON (Granite Hills), NICK SICA (Santana), infielders DALLAS MARTIN (Santana), LOUIS CAZARES (Granite Hills), outfielders Stonecipher, ANTHONY NAVARRO (Rancho Bernardo) and pitchers DARREN GAY (Granite Hills), TODD JONES (Christian), KEVIN DWYER (Patrick Henry), MATT SWAN (Scripps Ranch) and JOE VEGA (Otay Ranch).


Ed Olsen
Former Griffins coach
elected to JC Baseball
Hall of Fame
Olsen elected to JC Baseball Hall of Fame

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-15-08) -- Long-time Grossmont College baseball coach ED OLSEN produced plenty of impressive numbers during his 22 seasons as the Griffins skipper.

It all starts with his 516-376-7 record, which ranks among state's top 10 for coaching victories.

The Olsen legacy doesn't stop there. He's guided 11 Griffins into the major leagues and helped an additional 355 players receive some form of scholarship.

Even with all that excitement under his belt, Olsen was ecstatic when he learned that he'd been elected to the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Olsen will be inducted in the CCCBA Hall of Fame on May 23 in Fresno, site of the state baseball championships.

Ed Olsen

"I'm so happy with that honor and I can't thank people enough, like (his former assistant and Grossmont's current head coach) RANDY ABSHIER," Olsen said. "Alot of people are responsible for this."

Players who reached the big leagues under Olsen' Grossmont tutelage are: MARCUS GILES (Atlanta, San Diego, Colorado); JEFF KARSTENS (N.Y. Yankees); KEVIN CORREIA (San Francisco); STEVE PHOENIX (Oakland); the late JOE KENNEDY (Tampa Bay, Colorado, Oakland, Arizona, Toronto); JOHN BARNES (Minnesota); MIKE HARTLEY (L.A. Dodgers, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Japan); MIKE JUDD (L.A. Dodgers); TOM FORDHAM (Chicago White Sox); MATT HENSLEY (L.A. Angels); and FERNANDO CORTEZ (Tampa Bay, Kansas City).

Olsen's tenure as an East County coach, which ended with his retirement from Grossmont College following the 2004 season, includes 10 years at El Capitan High where he helped pitcher JEFF BYRD reach the major leagues with the expansion Toronto Blue Jays in 1977.

This is Olsen's third induction into a Hall of Fame. He is in the La Jolla High Hall of Fame as a player and in El Capitan's Hall of Fame as a coach.

Olsen toiled for 11 professional baseball organizations as player, manager, coach and scout.
In 2004, Ed Olsen (12) holds an award given by the team on his 512 career victories.
(File photo by Greg Eichelberger)


Matt Powell
Powell joins Top 25 CS Fullerton

© East County Sports.com
FULLERTON (11-1-07) -- Talk about being at the right place at the right time.

Grossmont College catcher MATT POWELL, who finished as the 5th-leading batter in the Pacific Coast Conference with a .370 average to earn a first team berth this past season, thought he had a scholarship lined-up for Cal State San Marcos.

"Matt was all set to go there," said Griffins coach RANDY ABSHIER. "Then I got a call from BYU."

The Cougars were in desperate need of a catcher and contacted Abshier, but when the Grossmont coach called his recently graduated player about the good news, he was too late.

"Matt was playing for me with the Barona Stars," noted MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN, the longtime manager of one of the Southland’s most successful National Baseball Congress semipro programs. "And some scouts showed up one day -- and Matt had the game of his life."

Unknown to Powell or Deutschman, members of the coaching staff from Cal State Fullerton, the four-time NCAA Division I champions, were watching. And Powell was unstoppable.

"I guess he had two homers, a triple and threw out a couple of runners," Abshier explained. "So when I called Matt, he said, 'Coach, I've already signed with Fullerton.'"

Powell, who started behind the plate over a majority of the season, proved effective when injuries hit the infield, filling in at third base and as designated hitter to earn his All-PCC berth as the utility player. He closed the season batting .450 over the final weeks of the season, finishing his campaign with a 5-game hitting streak which carried over into his summer season with the Barona Stars.

Powell is part of Grossmont's sophomore class of '07 which all earned scholarships. The others included JOHN ALIA (Cal State Dominguez Hills), TAYLOR MONJO and JEFF WOODS (both to Avila , MO), and JOEL LOLLIS (Cal State San Marcos).

Right-handed pitcher CAMERON SELIK earned a scholarship to UNLV, but he will serve as Grossmont's graduate assistant coach in 2008 following "Tommy John" surgery for reconstruction of the ulner collateral ligament in his elbow. In fact, Selik just started throwing again this week.

In addition, freshman MICHAEL ROBERTSON, who saw limited action this past season, will join Alia at Dominguez Hills, which is located near his home.


Griffins Scholarship Winners -- Class of '07
John Alia
Joel Lollis
Taylor Monjo
Matt Powell
Cameron Selik
Jeff Woods

Tony Jusino
Griffs’ Jusino hits the spot

© East County Sports.com
ABERDEEN, Md. (8-12-07) — Grossmont College freshman second baseman TONY JUSINO posted the second highest batting average (.322) for the Maryland Redbirds in the Cal Ripken Sr. Baseball Collegiate wood bat league this summer. Jusino earned a berth as the starting second baseman for the East in the league’s annual all-star game.

Equally as impressive was Jusino batted .474 in the playoffs leading the Redbirds to the semifinals. Not surprisingly, Jusino was named to the Ripken All-League team.


Johnnie Lowe
Lowe drafted by Chi-Sox

Courtesy, Grossmont College
EL CAJON (6-12-07) -- Former Grossmont College pitcher JOHN LOWE, who pitched for Point Loma Nazarene in 2007, was selected in the sixth round of last week's Major League Draft by the Chicago White Sox.

Lowe was part of a starting pitching staff in 2006 that helped the Griffins win 30 games and advance into the Southern California Regional Playoffs. The right-hander posted an 8-2 record with a 2.33 earned-run average, striking out 72 batters over 89 innings.

Moving on to Point Loma's Sea Lions on a full scholarship -- where he became better known as Johnnie -- Lowe posted a 4-5 mark and a 3.72 ERA in the sluggers' circuit of smaller ballparks. However, Lowe's power numbers were still solid, gaining 75 strikeouts in 75 innings.

Lowe and Azusa Pacific All-America selection Scott Hodsdon (Oakland Athletics) were the highest selections out of the Golden State Athletic Conference, both in the 6th round.

"We are proud of our alumni," said Grossmont head coach Randy Abshier. "John was an important part of the 2006 team and the athletic department and coaching staff are proud for Johnnie."

STANDINGS - SCHEDULE/SCORES - LINKS
17
Kennedy
2007 SEASON HERE
2006 SEASON HERE
State Scoreboard HERE
Conference Statistics
Website HERE


Pacific Coast Conf.
Conf.
Overall
Regular Season FINAL
W-L
GB
W-L-T
Southwestern Jaguars
22-3
--
40-14-0
Palomar Comets
18-7
4.0
27-21-0
Grossmont Griffins
13-12
9.0
20-20-0
San Diego City Knights
11-14
11.0
19-19-0
San Diego Mesa Olympians
10-15
12.0
14-24-0
Imperial Valley Arabs
1-24
21.0
3-32-1

COA State Playoffs
Complete North/South Brackets HERE
South Region - Play-In Game
Tue., May 6
No. 15 Palomar 3, No. 18 Santa Barbara 0
South Region - First Round (Best of 3)
Fri., May 9

No. 5 Southwestern 3, No. 12 El Camino (29-14) 2
No. 2 Cuesta (31-13-1) 12, Palomar 5
Sat., May 10
No. 5 Southwestern 5, No. 12 El Camino (29-15) 1
No. 2 Cuesta (32-13-1) 6, Palomar 5
South Region - Super Regional, at Santa Ana
Fri.-Sun., May 16-18
May 16: Southwestern 6, Irvine Valley 5
May 17: Southwestern 8, Santa Ana 6
May 18: Santa Ana 13, Southwestern 9
May 18: Final -- Southwestern 11, Santa Ana 9
State Championships
Sat.-Mon., May 24-26

At Fresno City College
May 24: Sierra 6, Southwestern 3
May 24: Riverside 8, West Valley 6
May 25: Southwestern 11, West Valley 3
May 25: Sierra 6, Riverside 1
May 25: Southwestern 7, Riverside 6
May 26: Southwestern 7, Sierra 3
May 26: Sierra 6, Southwestern 2
*Pacific Coast Conference ballgames
GROSSMONT "GRIFFINS"
2008 LOG -- Overall: 20-20, Conference: 13-12
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT LINKS added below
Date Opponent
-
Score
Jan. 25 at San Bernardino Valley
L
W
8-14
6-1
Jan. 26 SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY
W
9-2
Jan. 29 at Santa Ana .............10 Inn.
L
7-11
15th annual Noel Mickelsen Invitational
Jan. 31 a-CERRO COSO
-
rain
Feb. 1 a-PASADENA
W
8-0
Feb. 2 a-CERRO COSO
W
4-2
Feb. 2 a-WEST LOS ANGELES
W
9-8
Feb. 7 COMPTON
L
6-7
Southwestern Tournament
Feb. 8 b-ORANGE COAST
L
0-4
Feb. 9 b-EAST LOS ANGELES
L
3-11
Feb. 9 b-EL CAMINO
L
8-11
Feb. 10 b-DESERT
W
13-7
Feb. 12 at Chaffey
L
8-13
Feb. 14 GLENDALE
-
rain
Feb. 15 CHAFFEY
-
rain
Feb. 19 at Glendale
-
rain
Feb. 20 IRVINE VALLEY
-
rain
Feb. 23 *at Imperial Valley
W
13-1
Feb. 26 *at San Diego City
W
9-6
Feb. 28 *PALOMAR
L
6-8
Mar. 1 *at San Diego Mesa
W
12-5
Mar. 4 *SOUTHWESTERN
L
1-5
Mar. 6 *at Imperial Valley
W
13-2
Mar. 8 *IMPERIAL VALLEY
W
9-0
Mar. 11 *SAN DIEGO CITY VIDEO
W
7-6
Mar. 13 *at San Diego City
L
7-9
Mar. 18 at Compton
W
8-4
Mar. 19 at Irvine Valley
L
2-3
Mar. 25 *at Palomar
L
5-7
Mar. 27 *PALOMAR VIDEO
L
8-9
Mar. 29 *SAN DIEGO MESA
W
11-6
Apr. 1 *at San Diego Mesa
L
5-7
Apr. 3 *at Southwestern
L
2-3
Apr. 5 *SOUTHWESTERN
L
7-14
Apr. 8 *at Imperial Valley
W
25-8
Apr. 10 *IMPERIAL VALLEY
W
13-2
Apr. 15 *SAN DIEGO CITY
W
3-2
Apr. 17 *at San Diego City .... 10 inn.
L
6-7
Apr. 19 *PALOMAR
L
6-11
Apr. 22 *at Palomar
W
5-2
Apr. 24 *SAN DIEGO MESA
W
15-8
Apr. 26 *at San Diego Mesa
L
4-5
Apr. 29 *at Southwestern
L
6-8
May 1 *SOUTHWESTERN
W
9-6
May 13 State Playoffs - Round 1
-
TBA
May 14 State Playoffs - Round 1
-
TBA
May 19 State Playoffs - Round 2
-
TBA
May 20 State Playoffs - Round 2
-
TBA
May 21 If necessary
-
TBA
M 27-29 State Championships/Fresno
-
TBA
a-15th annual Noel Mickelson Invitational
b-Southwestern Tournament
*Pacific Coast Conference contest

Fri., Jan. 25
Grossmont 8-6, San Bernardino Valley 14-1
Pima (Ariz.) 11, San Diego City 7
San Diego Mesa at Cypress, ppd., rain (moved to Feb. 12)
Southwestern at Mt. San Jacinto, ppd., rain
Palomar at Santa Ana, ppd., rain
Imperial Valley at Compton, ppd., rain
Sat., Jan. 26
Grossmont 9, San Bernardino Valley 2
San Diego City 4-4, Arizona Western 0-10 STORY
Cypress 6, Palomar 5
Southwetsern at Chaffey (DH), ppd., wet grounds
Imperial Valley at Compton (DH), ppd., rain
Sun., Jan. 27
San Diego City at Arizona Western's Caballero Classic, ccd., rain
Tue., Jan. 29
Santa Ana 11, Grossmont 7 (10 inn.)
Barstow 5, Imperial Valley 3
Scottsdale (Ariz.) at San Diego City, ccd., wet grounds
San Diego Mesa at Irvine Valley, ppd., wet grounds
Wed., Jan. 30
Scottsdale (Ariz.) at San Diego City, ccd., wet grounds
Thurs., Jan. 31
Cerro Coso at Grossmont, ppd., wet grounds
San Diego Mesa 8, Santa Ana 2 STORY
Southwestern 17, Cerro Coso 1
Imperial Valley 6, Victor Valley 5 STORY
Victor Valley 4, Imperial Valley 4, tie (4 inn., darkness) STORY
Cerritos 7, Palomar 3

Fri., Feb. 1
Grossmont 8, Pasadena 0
Palomar 10, Ventura 0
Southwestern 9, West Los Angeles 8
Cerritos 6, San Diego Mesa 4 STORY
San Diego City 8-1, Cerro Coso 3-0

Sat., Feb. 2
Grossmont 4, Cerro Coso 2
Grossmont 9, West Los Angeles 8
Southwestern 7, Pasadena 3
Southwestern 10, Irvine Valley 7
West Los Angeles 7, San Diego City 6
San Diego City 10, Pasadena 0
Palomar 8, Chaffey 4
Ventura 7, San Diego Mesa 5
Tue., Feb. 5
Orange Coast 11, Southwestern 8
San Diego Mesa at Fullerton, ppd., wet grounds
Thurs., Feb. 7
Compton 7, Grossmont 6
Mt. San Jacinto 2-12, Imperial Valley 1-5
Fullerton 15, Palomar 12
Fri., Feb. 8
Orange Coast 4, Grossmont 0
Palomar 12, Ventura 5
Mt. San Antonio 4, Palomar 1
El Camino 9, Southwestern 6
San Diego City 6, Arizona Western 3
San Diego City 8, East Los Angeles 1
College of the Desert 7, Arizona Western 2
Barstow 11, Imperial Valley 10 (10 inn.); second game, ccd.
Moorpark 2, San Diego Mesa 0
Sat., Feb. 9
East Los Angeles 11, Grossmont 3
El Camino 11, Grossmont 8
San Bernardino Valley 5, Palomar 4
San Diego City 12, Orange Coast 4
Southwestern 13, College of the Desert 8
San Diego Mesa 5, Bakersfield 4
Sun., Feb. 10
Grossmont 13, College of the Desert 7
East Los Angeles 13-9, Southwestern 8-8
San Diego City 11, El Camino 10
L.A. Pierce 7, San Diego Mesa 4
Mon., Feb. 11
Santa Ana 6, Palomar 1 STORY

Tue., Feb. 12
Chaffey 13, Grossmont 8 (7 inn., darkness)
Mt. San Jacinto 5, Palomar 3 STORY
Cypress (9-0) 3, San Diego Mesa 1 STORY

Thurs., Feb. 14
Fullerton 2, Southwestern 0 STORY
Glendale at Grossmont, ccd., rain
L.A. Pierce at Palomar, ppd., rain (moved to 2-15, at Mt. San Antonio, 5)
Imperial Valley at Victor Valley, ppd., rain

Fri., Feb. 15
Chaffey at Grossmont, ccd., rain
Imperial Valley 16, Mt. San Jacinto 6
Mt. San Jacinto 8, Imperial Valley 6
Palomar 8, Mt. San Antonio 4
L.A. Pierce 7, Palomar 5
Southwestern at Golden West, ppd., rain
San Diego Mesa at Fullerton, ppd., rain

Sat., Feb. 16
Palomar 11, Rio Hondo 1
Long Beach 6, Southwestern 5
Chaffey at San Diego Mesa, ccd., rain
Mon., Feb. 18
No games scheduled

Tue., Feb. 19
Grossmont
at Glendale, ccd.
Orange Coast 5, Palomar 4
College of the Desert 4, Imperial Valley 2
Saddleback 4, San Diego Mesa 2

Wed., Feb. 20
Irvine Valley at Grossmont, ccd., rain
Orange Coast at Southwestern, ppd., rain
Spain National Team at San Diego City, ccd., rain
Palomar at San Bernardino Valley, ccd., rain

Thurs., Feb. 21
Irvine Valley 6, San Diego Mesa 1
Long Beach 6, Southwestern 5
San Diego City 5, Spain National Team 4

Fri., Feb. 22
No games scheduled

Sat., Feb. 23
*Grossmont 13, Imperial Valley 1
*Southwestern 12, San Diego Mesa 11
*Palomar at San Diego City, ppd., wet grounds
Mon., Feb. 25
No games scheduled

Tue., Feb. 26
*Grossmont 9,
San Diego City 6
*Palomar 5, San Diego Mesa 2
*Southwestern 6, Imperial Valley 3

Wed., Feb. 27
*Palomar 15, San Diego City 6

Thurs., Feb. 28
*Palomar 8, Grossmont 6
*San Diego Mesa 3, Imperial Valley 2
*Southwestern 13, San Diego City 2

Fri., Feb. 29
No games scheduled

Sat., Mar. 1
*Grossmont 12, San Diego Mesa 5
*Southwestern 9, Palomar 2
*San Diego City 10, Imperial Valley 9

Tue., Mar. 4
*
Southwestern 5, Grossmont 1
*San Diego Mesa 7, San Diego City 4 (10 inn.)
*Palomar 9, Imperial Valley 0

Thurs., Mar. 6
*Grossmont 13, Imperial Valley 2
*Palomar 7, San Diego City 4
*Southwestern 9, San Diego Mesa 1

Sat., Mar. 8
*Grossmont 9, Imperial Valley 0
*Southwestern 2, San Diego Mesa 0
*Palomar 4, San Diego City 2
Tue., Mar. 11
*Grossmont 7,
San Diego City 6
*Palomar 13, San Diego Mesa 4
*Southwestern 26, Imperial Valley 1
Thurs., Mar. 13
*San Diego City 9, Grossmont 7
*Southwestern 22, Imperial Valley 5
*San Diego Mesa 5, Palomar 2
Fri., Mar. 14
Santa Ana 4, San Diego Mesa 1
Southwestern 4, Orange Coast 3
Sat., Mar. 15
Golden West 5, San Diego City 3
Tue., Mar 18
Grossmont 8,
Compton 4
Mt. San Jacinto 5, Palomar 3
Southwestern 5, Moorpark 4
Southwestern 7, Antelope Valley 2
Wed., Mar. 19
Irvine Valley 3, Grossmont 2
Fullerton, San Diego City 2
Mt. San Jacinto 7, Palomar 4
Orange Coast 5, Palomar 1
San Diego Mesa 5, San Joaquin Delta 0
Santa Barbara 3, Southwestern 2 (10 inn.)
Compton 6-8, Imperial Valley 5-2
Thurs., Mar. 20
Southwestern 5, L.A. Mission 4
Palomar 10, San Joaquin Delta 4
Orange Coast 5, San Diego Mesa 1
San Diego Mesa 4, Mt. San Jacinto 3
Fri., Mar. 21
Palomar 13, San Bernardino Valley 5
Tue., Mar. 25
Palomar 7, Grossmont 5
Imperial Valley 5, San Diego Mesa 4
San Diego City 15, Southwestern 7
Thurs., Mar. 27
Palomar 9, Grossmont 8
Southwetsern 6, San Diego City 2
San Diego Mesa 13, Imperial Valley 1
Sat., Mar. 29
Grossmont 11, San Diego Mesa 6
Southwestern 3, Palomar 2 (10 inn.)
San Diego City 11, Imperial Valley 2
Tue., Apr. 1
San Diego Mesa 7, Grossmont 5
Southwestern 7, Palomar 2
San Diego City 23, Imperial Valley 1
Thurs., Apr. 3
Southwestern 3, Grossmont 2
Palomar 7, Imperial Valley 2
San Diego Mesa 4, San Diego City 3
Sat., Apr. 5
Southwestern 14, Grossmont 7
Palomar 14, Imperial Valley 2
San Diego City 12, San Diego Mesa 0
Tue., Apr. 8
Grossmont 25,
Imperial Valley 8
Southwestern 10, San Diego Mesa 9
Palomar 6, San Diego City 2
Thurs., Apr. 10
Grossmont 13, Imperial Valley 2
Palomar 10, San Diego City 9
Southwestern 10, San Diego Mesa 6
Tue., Apr. 15
Grossmont 3, San Diego City 2
San Diego Mesa 4, Palomar 3
Southwestern 15, Imperial Valley 3
Thurs., Apr. 17
San Diego City 7, Grossmont 6 (10 inn.)
Southwestern 12, Imperial Valley 2
Palomar 8, San Diego Mesa 4
Fri., Apr. 18
San Diego Mesa 8, Imperial Valley 1
Sat., Apr. 19
Palomar 11, Grossmont 6
Southwestern 9, San Diego City 0
Tue., Apr. 22
Grossmont 5,
Palomar 2
Southwestern 3, San Diego City 2
San Diego Mesa 14, Imperial Valley 6
Thurs., Apr. 24
Grossmont 15, San Diego Mesa 8
Palomar 3, Southwestern 1
San Diego City 7, Imperial Valley 2
Sat., Apr. 26
San Diego Mesa 5, Grossmont 4
Southwestern 9, Palomar 5
San Diego City 24, Imperial Valley 7
Tue., Apr. 29
Southwestern 8, Grossmont 6
San Diego City 4, San Diego Mesa 2
Palomar 13, Imperial Valley 2
Thurs., May 1
Grossmont 9, Southwestern 6
Palomar 4, Imperial Valley 1
San Diego City 11, San Diego Mesa 10
END REGULAR SEASON

LINKS

Grossmont College
Athletics Website


Commission On Athletics


Pacific Coast Conference

Pacific Coast Conf.
Conf.
Overall
2007 Standings
W-L
GB
W-L
San Diego Mesa Olympians
18-07
--
25-19
Southwestern Jaguars
18-07
--
25-19
Palomar Comets
16-09
2.0
25-18
Grossmont Griffins
12-13
6.0
20-24
San Diego City Knights
10-15
8.0
16-26
Imperial Valley Arabs
01-24
17.0
07-31

Pacific Coast Conf.
Conf.
Overall
2006 Standings
W-L
GB
W-L
Palomar Comets
18-07
--
30-14
Grossmont Griffins
16-09
2.0
27-15
San Diego City Knights
16-09
2.0
22-17
Southwestern Jaguars
15-10
3.0
22-21
San Diego Mesa Olympians
08-17
10.0
16-27
Imperial Valley Arabs
02-23
16.0
08-31

Pacific Coast Conf.
Conf.
Overall
2005 Standings
W-L
GB
W-L
Palomar Comets
21-04
--
26-08
Southwestern Jaguars
15-10
6.0
20-16
San Diego Mesa Olympians
14-11
7.0
17-18
Grossmont Griffins
13-12
8.0
16-21
San Diego City Knights
09-16
12.0
16-18
Imperial Valley Arabs
03-22
18.0
08-26
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