© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-7-11) — Seven members of the Grossmont College baseball team have been selected to the 2011 All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference team in balloting by the conference’s six head coaches.

Griffins named to the first team were sophomore shortstop BRIAN SAGUN (.321), sophomore outfielder JERIEL WALLER (.338, 20 RBI) and freshman pitcher ANTHONY VIGIL (4-0, 1.96 ERA). Sagun is a two-time first-teamer.

Receiving honorable mention from Grossmont were sophomore KENNY BELZER (.317, 2 HR, 14 doubles, 28 RBI); pitcher ZACH PETTIFORD (6-3, 1.91), KYLE SHAVER (3-3, 3 saves, 2.56) and ED TROVATO (3-4, 2 saves, 2.45). All three of those pitchers are sophomores.

Other East County standouts from the conference earning All-PCAC honors include Grossmont High alum pitcher MARK VASQUEZ (4-5, 5.18), Granite Hills first baseman DYLAN GARCIA (.333, 20 RBI) from San Diego City and Grossmont High product DEREK BAUM (.311) of Palomar. Baum is the only sophomore of the trio.

GRIFFIN GRAFFITI — Shaver has accepted a scholarship to the University of Pacific... Grossmont picked up a forfeit win over Fullerton to officially finish the season 18-16-1. The Hornets were stung for using an ineligible play in a Feb. 15 game against the Griffins in Orange County... The Griffins, who won 10 of their final 11 games, were 13-12 against PCAC foes... Grossmont was No. 4 in the state for ERA and the conference with a 2.38 mark. Their .268 team batting average was third in the PCAC.

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (4-29-11) — It was a fantastic finish for the Grossmont College baseball team. Not that the Griffins won a pennant or qualified for postseason play, but it was more a case of pride. BOXSCORE

By virtue of Thursday’s (Apr. 28) season-ending 5-3 victory over host San Diego Mesa, the Griffins finished 17-17-1 overall and one game out of third place in the Pacific Coast Conference at 13-12. To reach those levels, the Griffins won 10 of their final 11 games.

“The guys never gave up,” said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. “When we were down, the players tried to get better. They never stopped trying and never quit getting better.”

The Griffins started fasted with a two-out rally in the opening frame. JERIEL WALLER provided the spark with a double to left center. He scored on KENNY BELZER’s base hit to left. NATE JEFFERIES followed with a triple to right center staking Grossmont to a 2-0 edge.

AREN WADDINGTON’s single made it 3-0 in the 2nd inning.

In the 3rd inning, Waller tripled and scored on Belzer’s single to center.

An RBI double by Waddington capped the Grossmont scoring in the 6th.

ANTHONY VIGIL, ANTHONY SHAVER and ED TROVATO handled the pitching chores for the Griffins with Vigil picking up the win and Trovato nailing down the save.

“The last thing I said to the players before we broke the last meeting today was thanks,” Abshier said. “Thanks for coming to practice everyday and giving 110 percent. Our last practice yesterday was as hard as our first practice. These guys have great character.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-26-11) — Head coach RANDY ABSHIER and his Grossmont College Griffins can only wonder… “what if?” BOXSCORE

A little more than three weeks ago, the Griffins were stuck in the mud with an overall record of 7-16-1. Their Pacific Coast Athletic Conference mark was an equally unimpressive 3-11.

Since they were going nowhere, they could have just rolled over and quit.

That didn’t happen. By virtue of an 8-2 PCAC victory over visiting San Diego Mesa (20-14, 16-8) Tuesday (Apr. 26) at Noel Mickelsen Field, the Griffins (16-17-1, 12-12 PCAC) not only eliminated the Olympians from a chance of sharing the circuit crown with Palomar, they kept alive their chances of finishing at .500 overall and in sole possession of fourth place in the conference.

Grossmont has won nine of its last 10 – the setback came in extra innings – with only Thursday’s (Apr. 28) PCAC game at San Diego Mesa remaining. Game time is 2 p.m.

“This group of guys has worked extremely hard to salvage a respectable record,” Abshier said. “We want to finish the season on a high note. With a season like this players are working hard to be seen by recruiters. Although the season didn’t go like we wanted, scholarships are rolling in for a majority of our sophomores.”

One of those upperclassmen would be leadoff man AREN WADDINGTON, who was 3-for-5 with three RBI in the latest win over Mesa.

Another is pitcher ZACH PETTIFORD, who scattered five hits and allowed only two runs while striking out eight in 8 2/3 innings.

“Pettiford was absolutely wonderful today,” Abshier said. “His slider was amazing and after a performance like this he will be playing at the next level next year for sure.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-23-11) — Grossmont College kept its hopes for a third-place finish in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference alive Friday (Apr. 22) by knocking off visiting Southwestern, 8-4, at Noel Mickelsen Field. BOXSCORE

The victory left the Griffins (15-17-1, 11-12 PCAC) tied with San Diego City College (11-12, 15-16) with two games remaining. Grossmont concludes the season against second place San Diego Mesa – Tuesday (Apr. 26 at home) and Thursday (Apr. 28 on the road).

The Griffins have won eight of their last nine.

JERIEL WALLER went 3-for-4 with a double, 3 runs scored and one RBI to pace the Griffins against the Jaguars (19-15, 12-11 PCAC). KENNY BELZER belted a two-run home as Grossmont took a 3-2 advantage in the 3rd inning.

The go-ahead run for Grossmont came across on a catcher’s interference call that broke a 4-4 tie in the 5th inning.

Reliever JACOB RAFFAELE pitched 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the pitching nod.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (4-22-11) — The Grossmont College Griffins were in a mood for celebration when MICHAEL STOWERS singled home KENNY BELZER from second base in the top of the 15th inning of Thursday’s (Apr. 21) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest at Southwestern. BOXSCORE

That euphoric feeling didn’t last long as the Jaguars scored twice in the bottom of the 15th to pull out a 4-3 victory to take a two-game lead over the Griffins (14-17-1, 10-12 PCAC) and San Diego City (14-16, 10-12 PCAC) in the battle for third place.

“That was a tough one to lose,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said.

Even tougher was the fact that the Griffins lost on a bases loaded walk that forced in the decisive run.

The setback snapped Grossmont’s seven-game winning streak. The Griffins are tied with SDCC for fourth thanks to Imperial Valley’s 9-6 upset of the Knights on Thursday.

The Griffins wasted nine strong innings by starter ANTHONY VIGIL, who did not give up an earned run in the school's longest game in five seasons, when Grossmont also fell in 15 innings at San Diego Mesa, 2-1, on Apr. 25, 2006, in the program's longest ballgame this century.

Mount Miguel High product JAMES TREBUS pitched the final 3 1/3 innings in relief to post the win for Southwestern.

Grossmont hosts Southwestern Friday (Apr. 22) at noon.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-16-11) — Despite suffering through skids of 0-4 and 1-8 during the course of the season, Grossmont College still has a shot at finishing above the .500 mark. GAME ONE BOX GAME TWO BOX

Standing nine games under .500 just two weeks ago, the Griffins have suddenly won six straight Pacific Coast Athletic Association contests. They’ve rolled their overall mark to 13-16-1 and conference ledger to 8-11 with five games remaining.

Grossmont actually picked up two wins on Friday (Apr. 15) at the expense of visiting Imperial Valley College. The Griffins won the regularly scheduled PCAC game over the Arabs, 4-1, behind the six-hit pitching of KYLE SHAVER and TIM COLEMAN.

After that, the teams resumed the suspended game from Mar. 22 by playing only the 9th inning of a decision the Griffins claimed 8-5. (The original plan was to finish the suspended game first and then play the regular scheduled bout.)

In the main attraction, Grossmont took a 2-0 advantage on RBI singles by AREN WADDINGTON and BRIAN SAGUN. The Griffins made it 4-0 with a pair of tallies in the 8th. NATE JEFFERIES slugged an RBI double and eventually scored on KENNY BELZER’s base hit.

These teams will complete their five-game season series on Tuesday (Apr. 19) in the desert at 2 p.m,

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EL CAJON (4-15-11) — ANTHONY VIGIL held the visiting San Diego City College Knights hitless for 5 1/3 innings in Thursday’s (Apr. 14) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest won by Grossmont College, 10-4. BOXSCORE

It was the fourth straight win for the Griffins (11-16-1, 7-11 PCAC), who broke a scoreless tie with seven runs in the 5th inning.

“Pitching with a lead like that makes all the difference,” said Vigil, who posted his third win without a loss. “I knew I had a no-hitter going but tried not to let it get into my head.”

Former Griffin Richard Aguirre broke up the no-no with a single, which – thanks to a dropped fly ball in the outfield – opened the door to four unearned runs for the Knights (12-14, 9-10 PCAC).

“It was a single up the middle, and I almost got my glove on it,” Vigil said.

The freshman southpaw left the game with two outs in the 6th after surrendering four hits. ERIC CRUZ, TIM COLEMAN and JOSH MAXWELL blanked SDCC on three hits the rest of the way.

“The big thing is our bats are coming alive,” Vigil said of the Griffins’ current win streak. “When we score runs, it takes some of the pressure off our pitchers.”

KENNY BELZER was 4-for-5 including a three-run double in the Griffins’ big 5th inning. It was his 12th two-bagger of the season and raised his slugging percentage to .495.

Grossmont cranked out 16 hits, including three by NATE JEFFERIES. CHRIS DOYLE chipped in with a pair of doubles and ANDREW RAY ripped a two-run homer to cap the 7-run frame.

The Griffins will be busy again on Friday (Apr. 15). They will finish a Mar. 22 suspended game against Imperial Valley at 1 p.m. before beginning the regularly scheduled game against the Arabs at 2 p.m. Grossmont takes a 7-5 advantage into the 9th inning of the game suspended by darkness. All of the action will be played at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Looking ahead to next week the Griffins have more schedule changes. They will play at Imperial Valley on Tuesday (Apr. 19), play at Southwestern on Thursday (Apr. 21) and then host the Jaguars on Friday (Apr. 22). Of these last three games, the one at Grossmont begins at noon. The other starts at 2 p.m.

After knocking off Palomar College twice last week, the Griffins kept the ball rolling Tuesday (Apr. 12) by edging San Diego City College, 8-6, in a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest at Morley Field.

JERIEL WALLER led the Griffins offense with three hits and three RBI in five at-bats, while KYLE SHAVER logged his third save in as many outings. Shaver, who began the season as a starter, got the final three outs against the Knights (12-13, 9-9).

Grossmont (10-16-1, 6-11 PCAC) erased a 4-3 deficit with three runs in the 6th inning. CHRIS DOYLE singled to right field to begin the rally. He scored on a double by WESLEY WALLACE to tie the game.

TYLER PONCIANO laid down a bunt to place runners at the corners. AREN WADDINGTON put down another bunt to advance Ponciano 90 feet while Wallace remained at third. Waller then gave Grossmont the lead when he slashed a two-run single to left field.

SDCC freshman DYLAN GARCIA, a product of Granite Hills, was 3-for-5.

The last time the Griffins stacked up three wins in succession was in the Jaguar Classic when they bowled over East Los Angeles, Chaffey and Fullerton.

Grossmont will host San Diego City on Thursday (Apr. 14) at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-7-11) — Grossmont College center fielder AREN WADDINGTON made two running catches to highlight what may have been the Griffins’ best defensive effort of the season Thursday (Apr. 7) as they upset Palomar for the second straight game, 4-1. BOXSCORE

This is the first time Palomar (19-9, 13-4 PCAC) has been out of first place all season. San Diego Mesa now owns a one-game edge over the Comets with eight games remaining. Palomar has won 13 of 15 games before dropping a pair to Grossmont (9-16-1, 5-11 PCAC).

CHRIS DOYLE slugged a solo home run and a double to lead the Griffins. ANTHONY VIGIL had a shutout going into the 9th before KYLE SHAVER came on to earn the save for the second time in as many games.

Palomar shortstop Tyler Bernard, who already has signed with Virginia Tech, went 2-for-4 and also hit the ball hard on his two outs, a line out to right field and a long fly ball that Waddington hauled down running toward the center field fence.

It was the second time in three days that Waddington robbed Bernard on long balls hit over his head. He did the same thing when Grossmont upset the Comets on Tuesday in El Cajon.

The Griffins made big defensive plays all afternoon, highlighted by a series of running catches that also included an earlier one by Waddington to steal an extra base hit from Casey Munoz, saving a run in the 3rd inning.

Grossmont right fielder JERIAL WALLER, who was 3-for-4 at the plate, also made multiple running catches to rob the Comets. And Grossmont turned two key inning-ending double plays in back of winning pitcher Vigil, a left-hander who gave up one run on 10 hits and benefited from all the defensive heroicsThe Griffins' second twin-killing got Vigil out of a big jam in the 6th inning, after Palomar had loaded the bases with one out. It was 2-0 at the time, and Palomar appeared poised for a big inning.

Doyle’s home run to right field gave Grossmont a 1-0 advantage in the 3rd inning.

In the 6th inning, Grossmont fattened its cushion. BRIAN SAGUN walked. Waller then singled through the right side putting runners at the corners. NATE JEFFERIES brought Sagun home with a fly ball to right.

The conference has a bye day on Saturday. Grossmont resumes PCAC activity on Tuesday (Apr. 12) against San Diego City at Morley Field.

Nine games remain in the PCAC season. BOXSCORE

For Grossmont (8-16-1, 4-11 PCAC, it was only the second win in the last 10 starts. The Griffins also snapped a four-game skid at Palomar’s expense.

On a day when the Comets out-hit the Griffins 9-4, Grossmont took advantage of four Palomar errors to notch a pair of unearned runs.

KENNY BELZER’s sacrifice fly drove in what proved to be the winning run in the 8th inning.

ZACH PETTIFORD (4-3) scattered nine hits over 8 1/3 innings to pick up the pitching nod for the Griffins. He struck out 5 and walked none.

The save went to KYLE SHAVER, who came on to get the final two outs on a strikeout and a fly ball to center.
Palomar and Grossmont will play one more time on Thursday (Apr. 7) at 2 p.m. in San Marcos.

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (4-3-11) — Once again things started out strong for the Grossmont College Griffins as they took an early 2-0 lead over host San Diego Mesa in Saturday’s (Apr. 2) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action. BOXSCORE

That advantage slipped away in the 6th inning, but the Griffins managed to regain the edge an inning later. Then the roof caved in as the second-place Olympians scored five runs in their final two at-bats to claim a 7-3 victory.

The loss was the fourth straight and the eighth in nine games for Grossmont (7-16-1, 3-11 PCAC).

An RBI double by KENNY BELZER helped stake Grossmont to its 2-0 advantage.

JERIEL WALLER’s run-scoring single gave the Griffins their final lead in the 7th.

Myles Dempsey’s run-scoring single tied the contest in the bottom of the 7th. Dillon Haupt’s sacrifice fly hoisted Mesa (16-9, 12-3 PCAC) on top to stay.

The Olympians trail first-place Palomar by one game with 10 to play. Next up for the Griffins is a Tuesday (Apr. 5) home game against the Comets at Noel Mickelsen Field. First pitch is at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-1-11) — San Diego Mesa College scored two runs without benefit of a hit in the 8th inning to snap a 2-2 tie and defeat host Grossmont College in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action Thursday (Mar. 31) at Noel Mickelsen Field.

After falling behind 1-0 early, the Griffins (7-15-1, 3-10) tied the Olympians (15-9, 11-3 PCAC) on ERIC MORENO’s RBI single in the 4th frame. BOXSCORE

Grossmont grabbed the lead an inning later as KENNY BELZER tripled and scored on AREN WADDINGTON’s sacrifice fly making it 2-1. The Griffins missed a chance for a big inning as they stranded runners at second and third.

Mesa, which trails front-running Palomar by one game in the PCAC race, tied the game in the 7th when Garrett Gallacher was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Grossmont’s giveaway continued in the 8th when the Olympians parlayed a hit batter, two errors, a passed ball and a sacrifice fly into two runs. These same two teams will meet again on Saturday (Apr. 2) at Mesa at noon.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-30-11) — As if losing six of its last seven decisions isn’t bad enough for the struggling Grossmont College Griffins, now they are having difficulty finding home plate. BOXSCORE

For the second time in as many starts, the Griffins were blanked by visiting Southwestern 3-0 in Tuesday’s (Mar. 29) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action. Matt Milke pitched a complete game three-hitter for the Jaguars (12-12, 5-8 PCAC).

Grossmont’s offense consisted of a double and a single by JERIEL WALLER, and a basehit by MICHAEL STOWERS.

ZACH PETTIFORD was the hard-luck loser allowing only two earned runs and six hits in seven innings.

The Griffins (7-14-1, 3-9 PCAC) will host San Diego Mesa on Thursday at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-27-11) — Host Southwestern College staged a two-out, 3-run rally in the bottom of the 5th inning Saturday (Mar. 26) and that was the difference as the Grossmont College Griffins dropped a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference decision 3-0.

A two-run single by Sergio Villa was the key blow in that inning for the Jaguars (11-12, 4-8 PCAC) who edged ahead of the Griffins in the conference standings.

Justin Kruse limited the Griffins (7-13-1, 3-8 PCAC) to singles by BRIAN SAGUN, JERIEL WALLER, NATE JEFFERIES and WESLEY WALLACE.

The game was completed in 1 hour, 35 minutes. BOXSCORE

These same two teams will meet again Tuesday (Mar. 29) at Grossmont at 2 p.m.

ZACH PETTIFORD and JOSH MAXWELL combined to spin a 7-hitter as the Griffins snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Arabs. The duo logged eight strikeouts between them. BOXSCORE

The two teams started a second game, but couldn’t finish by the time darkness fell. Grossmont (7-12-1, 3-7 PCAC) was leading 7-5 at the time and that suspended game will be resumed on Thursday (Apr. 15) at 1 p.m. before the regularly scheduled game between the two is played at Noel Mickelsen Field.

NATE JEFFERIES supplied the offensive punch in the Griffins’ victory, driving in four runs with a two-run home run in the 2nd inning, a sacrifice fly in the 4th and a single in the 6th. \

AREN WADDINGTON walked and scored in front of Jefferies’ home run. Waddington later tripled and rode home on Jefferies’ fly ball.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (03-18-11) — It has been an agonizing season for the Grossmont College Griffins thus far. BOXSCORE

Eleven of the Griffins’ 12 losses have come by three runs or less. Seven have been by a one-run margin, including Thursday’s (Mar. 17) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference 4-3 setback to visiting San Diego City College.

No luck of the Irish here even though the Griffins’ colors are green and gold.

Grossmont (6-12-1, 2-7 PCAC) started off well enough, taking a 1-0 lead on 2nd-inning on singles by JERIEL WALLER and AREN WADDINGTON.

After the Knights (9-7, 6-3 PCAC) tied it in the top of the 3rd, Grossmont took a 3-1 advantage in the bottom of the inning. ALEX OHLSON led off with a double and scooted to third on BRIAN SAGUN’s bunt single.

ERIC MORENO followed with a second bunt single, scoring Ohlson. A wild throw by the SDCC pitcher tempted Sagun to try to score from first on the play. But he was cut down at the plate on a relay from first baseman DYLAN GARCIA (Granite Hills) to catcher Kevin Garcia. Moreno made it to third base on the play at the plate.

Moreno eventually scored on Waller’s sacrifice fly.

Sagun was 3-for-4 to pace Grossmont’s 9-hit attack. The Griffins have a bye Saturday before resuming PCAC activity Tuesday (Mar. 22) at Imperial Valley.

© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (3-15-11) — Two key errors and some ill-advised base-running cost the Grossmont College Griffins again Tuesday (Mar. 15) as they dropped a 5-4 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference to San Diego City College at Morley Field.

The loss was the third straight for the Griffins (6-11-1), who fell to 2-6 in conference action. BOXSCORE

Grossmont erased a 2-1 deficit in the 4th inning. With one out KENNY BELZER was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch. JERIEL WALLER singled up the middle to put runners at the corners. Belzer scored the tying run on AREN WADDINGTON’s groundout. An RBI single by NATE JEFFERIES staked Grossmont to a 3-2 edge.

After falling behind 4-3, Grossmont scrambled back to tie it in the 8th and should have had more. Belzer belted a lead-off double to left field. Waller followed with a triple to right center with nobody out. Waller attempted to score the go-head run on Waddington’s groundball, but was cut down at the plate.

San Diego City (8-7, 5-3 PCAC) posted the winning run in the bottom of the 9th on Hector Lorenzana’s sacrifice fly.

These same two teams will meet Thursday (Mar. 17) in a PCAC contest at Grossmont at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-13-11) — Visiting Grossmont College erupted for four runs in the 1st inning of Saturday’s (Mar. 12) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest at Palomar, but did little else as the first-place Comets beat the Griffins for the third time in as many starts. BOXSCORE

MICHAEL STOWERS’ two run double and an RBI single by JERIEL WALLER keyed Grossmont’s fast start. Stowers and Waller collected two hits apiece and BRIAN SAGUN was 3-for-4.

Five Grossmont pitchers surrendered 13 hits and four earned runs to the Comets (12-6, 6-1 PCAC).

Next up for the Griffins (6-10, 2-5 PCAC) is a conference road ballgame against San Diego City College Tuesday (Mar. 15) at Morley Field. First pitch is 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-11-11) — Plenty of punching and counter punching was going on at Grossmont College in Thursday’s (Mar. 10) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action against Palomar. BOXSCORE

That is, the teams scored their first five runs in matching innings before the Comets (11-6, 5-1 PCAC) tallied in the 9th inning and Grossmont was unable to answer. The result was a 6-5 victory for Palomar (11-6, 5-1 PCAC). The Griffins (6-9-1, 2-4 PCAC) saw their modest two-game winning streak end.

Grossmont tied the game for the fourth time with a run in the 8th inning. The Griffins got a double from ERIC MORENO and singles by JERIEL WALLER and NATE JEFFERIES yet could produce only one run even though Palomar chipped in with two errors.

catcher Danny Bethea gunned down two Griffins attempting to steal in the inning. Casey Munoz’ RBI triple won it for Palomar in the 9th.

These same two teams will meet Saturday (Mar. 12) In San Marcos at noon.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (03-10-11) — The streaky Grossmont College Griffins are attempting to climb back into the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference race. BOXSCORE

Despite blowing leads of 4-2 and 6-4, the Griffins pushed across the winning marker on a bases-loaded error in the 11th inning Wednesday (Mar. 9) to edge visiting San Diego Mesa 7-6. It was the second straight PCAC victory for the Griffins (6-8-1, 2-3), who trail first-place Palomar (10-6, 4-1) by two games.

Grossmont is now 3-0 in extra-inning contests this season.

Grossmont will host the Comets Thursday at 2 p.m. in the first of a two-game series that concludes Saturday at Palomar.

Although the Griffins pounded out 13 hits – four by JERIAL WALLER – they managed to strand 19 runners on base.

“Players hit when we needed it,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “The short game was rough on us. We had opportunities to lay down bunts and get some runners into scoring position, but weren’t consistent. We’ve got to get better on the small things.”

A major plus for the Griffins has been closer ED TROVATO, who pitched the final 3 1/3 innings to post his second win. He allowed one run on four hits.

“This kid has been a great go-to guy out of the pen,” Abshier said.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-6-11) — Grossmont College rattled off a season-high 15 hits to topple host Southwestern College 8-6 in 12 innings in Saturday’s (Mar. 5) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action. BOXSCORE

The victory snapped a three-game PCAC losing streak for the Griffins (5-8-1, 1-3), who rallied from a 6-2 deficit to sideswipe the Jaguars (8-7, 1-3).

Grossmont snapped a 6-6 deadlock with two runs in the top of the 12th. ERIC MORENO jump started the Griffins with a one-out single. CHRIS DOYLE, who was 3-for-6 with two RBI, then slugged a two-out double to break the tie. Doyle galloped home on a base hit by NATE JEFFERIES (3-for-6, 2 RBI).

Earlier the Griffins tied the game with four runs in the 7th thanks to two Southwestern errors and RBI singles by MICHAEL STOWERS (4-for-6) and Moreno.

“The thing we did well today is stay inside the ball,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “We hit the ball up the middle real well. The key to these (BBCOR) bats is don't try to do too much. Guys who try to pull the ball and hit home runs are going to struggle with this bat. Guys who stay on the ball and drive it up the middle will succeed.

“Stowers’ hits were up the middle and by the second baseman. He was hot today.”

KYLE SHAVER, the last of five Grossmont pitchers to appear in the game, spun four shutout innings to collect the victory.

It’s already been a rollercoaster season for the Griffins in terms of winning and losing.

“The greatest thing these players learned today was picking oneself up and battling back into the game,” Abshier said.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-4-11) — Grossmont College’s start to the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference season hit rock bottom as did the Griffins’ position in the six-team standings after Thursday’s 6-4 loss to visiting Imperial Valley (1-10, 1-2 PCAC).

“We were just terrible,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. BOXSCORE

What the Griffins did was blow a 4-2 lead in the 8th inning to see their record plummet to 0-3 in the PCAC and 4-8-1 overall.

Grossmont travels to Southwestern College on Saturday (Mar. 5) for a PCAC game at noon.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-3-11) — A hit batsman with the bases-loaded provided host Palomar with the winning run Wednesday (Mar. 2) as the Comets edged the Grossmont College Griffins 4-3 in a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest.

The Griffins (4-7-1, 0-2 PCAC) failed to hold leads of 1-0 and 3-2 as they dropped their second conference encounter in as many days. BOXSCORE

After scoring on a wild pitch in the 1st inning, the visiting Griffins erased an eventual 2-1 deficit on NATE JEFFERIES’ two-run double in the 4th. Jefferies’ blow – one of three doubles by Grossmont in the game – scored MICHAEL STOWERS and KENNY BELZER who reached base on singles.

A two-out single by Grossmont High product DEREK BAUM ignited the Comets’ decisive rally in the bottom of the 5th. Ric Montanez’s bases-loaded single tied the game. Grossmont starter and loser ZACK PETTIFORD then plunked Jonathan Davis with a pitch to force in the winning marker.

“The teams we play are getting multi-hit innings right now, and we are not,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “We are getting runners on, and then moving them over. But the game has changed. Outfielders are playing shallow and it takes two hits to score a runner from second.

“In this new era of (deadened) bats, one mistake and that’ll be the ballgame. The day of the blow is gone.”

Grossmont resumes PCAC activity hosting Imperial Valley Thursday (Mar. 3) at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-2-11) — Before the rains came, the Grossmont College Griffins were on a roll – four wins and one tie in six games. BOXSCORE

After a week off, the Griffins opened the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference season Tuesday (Mar. 1) and fell to visiting San Diego City College, 7-4, at Noel Mickelsen Field.

“Overall we did not play well,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “From the pitching standpoint, we missed with our off-speed and our breaking balls were not quality enough for hitters to chase.”

Grossmont’s four pitchers issued four walks and hit three batters.

“Four of those free passes scored,” Abshier noted. “Three lead-off walks and all scored.”

One way to stop Grossmont is to silence cleanup hitter KENNY BELZER. The Knights did that as the Griffins’ sophomore third baseman was 0-for-4.

Furthermore, the Griffins (4-6-1, 0-1 PCAC) stranded 11 runners on base – six in scoring position with less than two outs.

“The clutch hitting did not show-up today,” Abshier said. “We only had six hits and only three got out of the infield.”

Love those new bats.

“Tip your hat to San Diego City for doing the little things when they needed them,” Abshier said. “We did the little things but did not finish.”

Freshman DYLAN GARCIA, a product of Granite Hills, accounted for three of San Diego City’s eight hits off four Grossmont College pitchers.

El Capitan graduate ANDREW RIGGINS pitched a scoreless 9th inning to earn the save for the Knights (4-4, 1-0 PCAC).

Next up for the Griffins is a make-up game at Palomar on Wednesday (Mar. 2), then a home PCAC game against Imperial Valley Thursday (Mar. 3) at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-23-11) — A year ago, Grossmont College freshman pitcher ANTHONY VIGIL was toiling out of the bullpen for the El Capitan Vaqueros.

The 6-foot left-hander began this season working as a reliever until Tuesday’s (Feb. 22) Jaguar Classic finale against visiting Fullerton at Noel Mickelsen Field.

Making his first collegiate start, Vigil blanked the Hornets on 2 hits while striking out 4 and walking none during a six-inning stint. He was awarded the win when four Griffins relievers held off the Hornets in the final three frames of a 4-2 Grossmont victory.

It was the third straight win for Grossmont (4-5-1), which is 4-1-1 following an 0-4 start.

“Vigil was simply amazing,” said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. “He pitched like a third year college pitcher, not a freshman in his first college start,”

Of his 73 pitches, 54 were strikes.

“He had complete domination of the strike zone,” Abshier said.

Trovato got the final out with the tying runs on base.

“He is outstanding right now,” Abshier said. “He has one win and 2 saves in the last five days.”

Grossmont pushed across its first two runs in the 6th. BRIAN SAGUN – sidelined with an injury for three weeks – led off with a double and JAKE VILLALOBOS ran for him. Villalobos advanced 90 feet on AREN WADDINGTON’s sacrifice bunt. ERIC MORENO walked. JERIEL WALLER brought in the first run with a fly ball to center. Moreno then stole second and scored on a base hit by KENNY BELZER.

“Belzer (2-for-4) was again the catalyst for our offense,” Abshier said. “He is swinging it like the veteran we expected.”

The Griffins made it 4-0 in the 7th. CHRIS DOYLE and KYLE SHAVER stroked one-out singles. Villalobos plated Doyle with a squeeze bunt. Waddington then singled in Shaver.

The first 6 innings were completed in 43 minutes in this rematch between these teams. Fullerton won the first meeting 4-3 last week.

“Non-conference is over and we finished strong,” Abshier said.

Grossmont was to play at Compton on Thursday (Feb. 24), but the game was cancelled because of a field conflict with the annual MLB Urban youth college tournament.

Weather permitting the Griffins will open Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play on Saturday (Feb. 26) at Palomar College at noon.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (2-22-11) — Grossmont College made it back-to-back victories in the Jaguar Classic Monday (Feb. 21) when the Griffins erased a 3-0 deficit to edge East Los Angeles College 4-3 in 11 innings in a game played at Southwestern College.

WESLEY WALLACE laced a two-out double into the right-center field gap to score ERIC MORENO from first base with the winning run for Grossmont (3-5-1). AREN WADDINGTON ignited the winning rally with a one-out single but was forced out at second on Moreno ’s groundball.

Grossmont starter KYLE SHAVER limited the Huskies to one earned run and five hits over 7 2/3 innings while striking out 7 and walking none. Relievers ANTHONY VIGIL, JORDAN McLAUGHLIN, TIM COLEMAN and ED TROVATO (W, 1-1) blanked East L.A. on four hits over the final 3 1/3 innings.

“Our pitchers were clutch today,” said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. “Shaver was spectacular and the bullpen got it done. These guys have been keeping us in the games.”

KENNY BELZER continued to wield a hot bat for the Griffins, hoisting his season average to .425 (17-for-40) with a double and a single in four trips against the Huskies.

MICHAEL STOWERS is another of Grossmont’s steady hitters, collecting three singles in four at-bats against East L.A.

“If we want to contend for a championship we need to be good hitters in the clutch,” Abshier said. “We had those chances today and one finally fell our way in the 11th.”

Grossmont is slated to host Fullerton Tuesday (Feb. 22) at 2 p.m. in the third round of the Jaguar Classic. Game time is 2 p.m.

“We’ve played some extremely good teams in our non-conference schedule,” Abshier said. “Although our record doesn’t show it we have improved, I feel we are getting better.”

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (2-19-11) — Grossmont College scored victories on three fronts on Friday (Feb. 18).

That is, the Griffins beat the weather, avoided playing on their own rain-soaked Noel Mickelsen Field and defeated Chaffey 5-3 in the first round of the annual Jaguar Classic.

After moving the game from its home diamond to Southwestern College, Grossmont took a 5-0 lead and was breezing behind the 3-hit pitching of ZACH PETTIFORD (2-1).

The Panthers pecked away for three runs against a pair of Grossmont relievers before ED TROVATO closed things out with two shutout innings and three strikeouts.

KENNY BELZER supplied some much needed muscle for Grossmont (2-5-1) with a pair of doubles and a triple in four at-bats. The sophomore third baseman is batting .375 with half of his eight hits going for extra bases. He owns the club’s only home run and tops the team with eight RBI.

After JERIEL WALLER drew a two-out walk in the 4th inning, Belzer doubled him home to break a scoreless deadlock. ANDREW RAY followed with an RBI single. Ray advanced on a wild pitch and a balk before scoring on a base hit by NATE JEFFRIES to make it 3-0.

Grossmont added two more markers in the 6th inning. Belzer led off with a double and skipped to third on a sacrifice bunt by BRIAN PALMER. Belzer scored on a double by CHRIS DOYLE. TYLER PONCIANO made it 5-0 with an RBI single.

Next up for Grossmont is round two of the Jaguar Classic where the Griffins take on East Los Angeles at Southwestern College at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
FULLERTON (2-16-11) — Host Fullerton College took advantage of two Grossmont College errors in the bottom of the 9th inning to push across an unearned run Tuesday (Feb. 15) to gain a 4-3 non-conference victory over the Griffins.

It was the second time in a week that Fullerton had won a game in its final at-bat. The Hornets have won four in a row since starting the season 0-3. Grossmont fell to 1-5-1.

The Griffins rallied from deficits of 2-0 and 3-1.

A single by AREN WADDINGTON scored TYLER PONCIANO from second, cutting Fullerton ’s then 2-0 edge in half in the 3rd inning.

Singles by Waddington and ERIC MORENO coupled with a sacrifice fly from MICHAEL STOWERS pulled the Griffins to within 3-2 in the 6th.

One again Waddington was the spark that led to Grossmont’s tying marker in the 8th. He walked and advanced to second on Moreno ’s bunt. Stowers then delivered a single up the middle to make it 3-3.

Moreno was 3-for-3, accounting for half of Grossmont’s hits.

Next up for the Griffins is the Jaguar Classic, which, weather permitting, begins Friday (Feb. 18) when East Los Angeles College visits Grossmont at 2 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-12-11) — It’s been runs-a-plenty for the Grossmont College Griffins in the two-day Noel Mickelsen Invitational.

After scoring only 10 runs in their first four games – all losses – the Griffins have since pounded out 26 hits and tallied 23 runs in their first two home games. In their latest outing Grossmont battled visiting West Los Angeles to an 11-11 tie Saturday (Feb. 12) at Noel Mickelsen Field. The game was halted after seven innings due to time limitations.

Twice the Griffins (1-4-1) came from behind to catch the Oilers, erasing deficits of 3-0 and 11-9.

KENNY BELZER ignited Grossmont’s latest onslaught with three hits, two RBI and two runs in four at-bats. BRIAN PALMER added two hits and ANDREW RAY logged 2 RBI.

The Griffins plated six runs in the 3rd inning. Belzer notched an RBI single and WESLEY WALLACE swatted RBI singles, while ANDY HALE hoisted a scoring fly ball. Two West L.A. errors helped lead to five unearned runs.

“The errors came on great SAC bunts,” Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER said. “The singles were hit-and-run.”

In what proved to be the final frame, the Oilers struck a six-run gusher to erase a 9-5 Grossmont advantage. The Griffins loaded the bases without benefit of a hit in the bottom of the 7th, setting the stage for Ray’s game-tying two-run single.

Six Grossmont errors handed West L.A. six unearned runs.

On Tuesday (Feb. 15), the Griffins return to the road when they travel to Fullerton for a 2 p.m. non-conference contest.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-12-11) — There is something to be said for home cookin’. Call it comfort food, but it simply tastes better.

Playing at home for the first time in five games this season, the Grossmont College Griffins pounded Pasadena City College, 12-4, in Friday’s (Feb. 11) first round of the 18th annual Noel Mickelsen Invitational.

After falling behind the Panthers 2-0 in the 1st inning, Grossmont (1-4) pounded out 16 hits en route to its season scoring high and moved into Saturday’s (Feb. 12) championship game against West Los Angeles College at 10 a.m. on home soil.

This was a genuine offensive breakout for the Griffins, who had scored a total of 10 runs in their first four games.

Third baseman KENNY BELZER was 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI for Grossmont.

AREN WADDINGTON chipped in with three deuces – runs, hits and RBI for the Griffins while ANDREW HALE was also at the top of the hit parade with two hits and a pair of RBI. JERIEL WALLER was a major contributor for the Griffins collecting three hits and a two RBI in five at-bats.

Not to be overlooked was ERIC MORENO, who accounted for five runs with two hits in three at-bats for Grossmont.

Starter ZACH PETTIFORD pitched 7 innings to pick up the win to balance his record at 1-1.

Grossmont took the lead for keeps with three runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Moreno singled, advanced to second on a balk and scored the tying run on a single by Hale. Walks to Waddington and CHRIS DOYLE loaded the bases. Waller followed with the key hit of the game – a two-run single staking Grossmont to a lead it would not lose.

© East County Sports.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH (2-9-11) — KENNY BELZER belted the first Grossmont College home run of the season in Tuesday’s (Feb. 8) non-conference game at Golden West.

Belzer’s shot leading off the 7th tied the game 2-2, but the Rustlers eventually pulled out a 5-4 victory with a run in the bottom of the 9th. It was Grossmont’s fourth loss in as many starts. Three of the Griffins’ setbacks have come by two or fewer runs.

Grossmont took a 1-0 lead without benefit of a hit in the third inning. AREN WADDINGTON plated the run on a squeeze bunt.

After Belzer’s game-tying home run, Golden West (1-2) took a 4-2 edge in the bottom of the 8th. The Griffins had loaded the bases in the top of the 8th, but came up empty when BRIAN PALMER banged into an inning-ending double-play.

In their final turn at bat, Grossmont once again knotted the score. Belzer was at the front end of this rally with a single. He was forced out on ANDREW HALE’s groundball. ERIC MORENO pinch ran for Hale and raced to third on a double by CHRIS DOYLE. MICHAEL STOWERS stroked a two-run single to make it 4-4.

Grossmont wasted six strong innings by starter JOSH MAXWELL, who scattered four hits and did not allow an earned run. He walked none and struck out 4.

Next up for the Griffins is their first home appearance when they host the 18th annual Noel Mickelsen Invitational Friday (Feb. 11) and Saturday (Feb. 12). Grossmont faces Pasadena at 2 p.m. in day one and West Los Angeles at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

© East County Sports.com
SAN BERNARDINO (2-6-11) — Grossmont College recorded season highs of four runs and seven hits in Saturday’s (Feb. 5) final day of the College of the Desert Tournament against co-host San Bernardino Valley College.

The problem for the Griffins (0-3) was their pitchers surrendered season highs in a 10-4 loss to the host Wolverines (1-2). San Bernardino Valley racked up 11 hits and six earned runs against six Grossmont pitchers.

Down 7-0 after four innings, the Griffins finally broke through in the 5th. BRIAN SAGUN smacked a one-out double. JAKE VILLALOBOS pinch ran for him and stole third. AREN WADDINGTON, who was 3-for-4 in the Grossmont lead-off spot, plated Villalobos with a fly ball to left field.

Waddington singled and eventually scored on ERIC MORENO’s base hit in the 8th frame.

Grossmont added its final runs in the 9th. Waddington singled in a run in that inning. The other run scored on a passed ball.

Next up for the Griffins is a non-conference game against Golden West Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Huntington Beach.

© East County Sports.com
PALM DESERT (2-5-11) — Already the numbers are telling. Some good, some not so good.

Two games into the season Grossmont College is 0-2, both losses coming in College of the Desert's Buttles Memorial Tournament. Yet, the Griffins own a team ERA of 1.31.

The problem is hitting. Grossmont has exhibited next to nothing in the way of offense with the deadened BBCOR bats. They garnered only five singles in a 2-0 loss at College of the Desert on Friday (Feb. 4).

In 18 innings, Grossmont has drummed up only 11 hits and only one for extra bases. That computes to a .175 batting average.

Once again Grossmont received strong pitching, including five innings of shutout relief from transfer KYLE SHAVER. He walked one and struck out five. Starter ED TROVATO surrendered three hits and both runs. He struck out six in three innings.

CHRIS DOYLE and BRIAN PALMER collected two hits each for Grossmont, which travels to San Bernardino Valley College Saturday (Feb.5) at 11 a.m.

© East County Sports.com
PALM DESERT (2-4-11) — Grossmont College coach RANDY ABSHIER calls it a new era in college baseball.

Or the great baseball bat controversy.

“It is what it is,” said Abshier after the Griffins opened the season Thursday (Feb. 3) with a 3-2 loss to top-ranked Cypress in the opening round of the College of the Desert Tournament.

“This game came down to getting the bunt down and the hit and run. With the new equipment if you have an opportunity to move runners along, a team must be fundamentally strong in the short game. We weren’t against Cypress. That is uncharacteristic of this year’s team.”

The idea of hitting the long ball is all but long gone. However, Grossmont sophomore KENNY BELZER led off the second inning with a double off the 338-foot sign in left field at Desert Stadium.

“Had he been using a metal bat instead of the BBCOR the ball might have traveled 500 feet,” Abshier joked.

Nevertheless the Griffins were unable to bring Belzer around. His was the only extra-base blow in the 2-hour, 10-minute contest. Each team finished with six hits. Belzer had two for Grossmont, including an RBI single that broke a scoreless tie in the 6th.

“We possibly score in the 2nd if we get the bunt down with Belzer on second,” Abshier said. “We again have the same situation in the 3rd. With runners on first and second, we missed getting the bunt down.”

To make matters worse, 10 Griffins struck out.

Cypress fought back with two runs in the 7th and another in the 9th to go ahead 3-1.

The Griffins scored their final run in the last of the 9th. ANDREW HALE slapped a one-out single and RYAN STUTZ pinch ran for him. TYLER PONCIANO tapped a slow grounder to shortstop for the second out as Stutz raced to second. Stutz scored on a throwing error by the pitcher, but the Chargers were able to get the final out.

Each team scored one earned run.

“The pitching was great on both sides,” Abshier said.

Grossmont’s ZACH PETTIFORD twirled a no-hitter for six innings, but was tagged with the loss when he surrendered two unearned runs.

“We played great, just need to control our barrels better at the plate,” Abshier said. “Ten punch outs at the plate will not win the game. We teach put the ball into play and put the pressure on the defense. When you strike out there is no pressure on the defense.”

Grossmont meets host College of the Desert on Friday (Feb. 4) at 10 a.m. and close out the tournament Saturday at San Bernardino Valley College at 11 a.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-1-11) — College baseball, much like high school baseball, enters a new era this season.

No longer will games be decided by home runs or high scoring contests. The gutless powers-that-be, which doesn’t know second base from a urinal, has decided that due to one major casualty, the one-time standard issue of aluminum bats should be outlawed.

In California, this is a group of legislators that cannot balance a state budget, that might next find a way to deem soccer a dangerous sport since a young goal-tender was killed when the goal fell on him during a game.

Tragic to be sure, accidents are going to happen. Given the number of participants, those mishaps are few – much less than automobile crashes.

No sports create more deaths than football. So why are there not more complaints among the amateur legislators about the tackle and pass encounters. It’s a matter of money – no sport generates more funds than football.

So much for the soap box debate... which has fallen on deaf ears. So on we go with the implementation of bats, which look like wood but which supply no punch.

The new bat in vogue is the BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution), which in essence will lower scores and shorten games. This is one of two bats that are permitted in 2011; in 2012 only the BBCOR will be allowed.

Wood bats are still legal but the problem with them is their expense and players’ lack of experience with such wands. The cost of wood bats due to continual breakage is ridiculous, which will force teams to use BBCOR because they don’t break.

By any account it will change the game.

“The pitchers will dominate, no question,” said Grossmont College coach RANDY ABSHIER. “We’ve told our pitchers don’t walk guys – throw to contact.”

Abshier said in Grossmont’s 10 fall league games only one ball was hit for a home run with the new bats.

“The bottom line is, I don’t know what people are saying, but basically they are wood bats made out of aluminum,” Abshier said. “We put the Juggs gun on them and the ball leaves the bat going 95 mph but quickly dies out.”

The Grossmont coach said, knowing what he knows about the new bat, he will play his outfielders right behind his infielders – something like 250 feet from home plate.

“If you’re going to beat me you’re going to have to hit the ball over the head of my outfielders,” Abshier said. “Basically what I’m saying is I’m daring the batter to do that.”

Known for years as one of the premier community college home-run-hitting ballclubs in the state, Abshier realizes that he is going to have to change his offensive approach.

“It’s a brand new ballgame whether you like it or not,” he said. “I told my kids there are several things you need to do to be successful with the new bats, which are much heavier than most of these kids are used to using. It also changes the strategy.”

“First of all you have to be physically strong and able to control the bat,” he added. “We have to create more action, like hit-and-run and bunting. It’s no longer a longball game.”

The Griffins ended the season 16-17 (10-15 in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference) a year ago.

Luckily for Abshier his team is pitching laden this year. His staff is anchored by four-year college bounceback pitchers KYLE SHAVER and JORDAN McLAUGHLIN, and San Diego Mesa transfers ZACK PETTIFORD and JOSH MAXWELL.

The Grossmont pitching staff also includes returning sophomores left-hander JACOB RAFAELE and right-hander EDWARD TROVATO.

Among the top newcomers is El Capitan left-hander ANTHONY VIGIL (6-0, 4 saves, 4.07 ERA).

A key returner in the Grossmont infield is BRIAN SAGUN, a product of Mission Bay High who was an All-PCAC shortstop two years ago and will return to the position.

Other returnees to the Griffins infield include first baseman ANDREW HALE (El Capitan) and third baseman KENNY BELZER (Granite Hills).

Others battling for infield time include Santana graduate RYAN STUTZ, returning letterman CHRIS DOYLE (La Costa Canyon) and Mt. Carmel product WESLEY WALLACE. Odds are Doyle will get the nod at second base.

In the outfield, it’s all new.

The left field post shapes up as a battle between returning lettermen BRIAN PALMER and JAKE VILLALOBOS. The top candidate in center field is Christian freshman MICHAEL STOWERS, while the likely starter in right field is San Diego Mesa transfer JERIEL WALLER.

Nothing is for sure as the Griffins open the season against top-ranked Cypress in the College of the Desert Tournament on Thursday (Feb. 3) at 2 p.m.

On Friday (Feb. 4) the Griffins take on host COD at 10 a.m., and on Saturday will close out the tournament at San Bernardino Valley College at 11 a.m.