Griffins face Vaqueros in CCCAA playoff opener
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-29-13) — Grossmont College opens the
Southern California Regional playoffs on Friday (May
3) when the Griffins travel to Glendale College of the
Western State Conference's South Division to face the
Vaqueros in a best-of-three series at 2 p.m.
The Griffins, who finished second to Palomar in the
Pacific Coast Athletic Conference this season, are 26-10.
Glendale won its conference and is 25-11 overall.
DYLAN GARCIA (.414, 26 RBI), KYLE HOLDER (.410, 9 steals),
JESSE JENNER (.331, 3 HR, 24 RBI), CURREN FACER (.345,
25 RBI) and BRIAN LOCKEY (.293, 26 RBI) lead the Griffins
into postseason play.
KENDALL LINDLEY (7-2, 2.55 ERA) or ADAM ANAWALT (7-3,
2.02 ERA) will most likely be the Griffins starting
pitcher.
If Grossmont needs a third starter, that role will
likely fall to SHANE COLEMAN (5-2, 2.49 ERA).
Grossmont’s bullpen is anchored by RANDY WYNNE
(3-2, 2.70 ERA) and ZACH AMBROSE (4-0, 0.00 ERA). Ambrose
has allowed only one unearned run in 38 innings.
Glendale relies on its pitching staff more than its
offense. Tei Vanderford (5-3, 1.65 ERA) is rated the
top pitcher in his league. The Vaqueros No. 2 starter
is Angel Rodriguez (7-2, 2.51 ERA).
Pepe Marquez lead the Glendale offense with .355 and
21 RBI.
Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday (May 4) at 11 a.m.
If the teams split the first two games, a third game
will follow immediately afterwards to determine which
team will advance to the second round.
Griffins complete season sweep of Southwestern
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-26-13) — Grossmont College registered
another first for the season as the Griffins executed
a five-game Pacific Coast Athletic Conference sweep
of Southwestern College in Thursday’s (Apr. 25)
regular season finale at Noel Mickelsen Field.
The Griffins closed out the campaign with a 4-1 victory
over the Jaguars. JESSE JENNER hit his 3rd home run
over the left field fence, staking the Griffins to a
1-0 lead in the 2nd inning.
KYLE HOLDER and BRADEN PETERS also picked up RBI for
Grossmont as ADAM ANAWALT blanked the Jaguars on five
hits over seven innings to notch his 7th win in 10 decisions.
Anawalt lowered his ERA to 2.02 over 81 1/3 innings
with his latest victory.
Grossmont’s DYLAN GARCIA captured the PCAC batting
championship with a .414 average (60-for-185) and 26
RBI. Holder was second with a .410 mark (57-for-139).
Without a doubt the unsung hero for Grossmont this
season has been relief pitcher ZACH AMBROSE. A converted
back-up catcher out of Grossmont High, Ambrose did not
allow an earned run in 38 innings while posting a 4-0
record out of the Griffins’ bullpen.
Grossmont concluded its regular season with an overall
mark of 26-10 and a PCAC second-place mark of 18-7.
Playoff pairings will be announced on Sunday (Apr.
28). Palomar and Grossmont will definitely advance,
but the Griffins figure to open on the road despite
owning the second most wins in Southern California .
Only Foothill Conference champion San Bernardino Valley
College has more wins with a mark of 27-8.
Escape from the Valley, covertly
© East County Sports.com
IMPERIAL (4-24-13) — Grossmont College completed
a five-game Pacific Coast Athletic Conference season
sweep of host Imperial Valley College Tuesday (Apr.
23) as the Griffins pounded out a 15-4 victory.
No information was available on the game.
The win elevated the Griffins’ overall record
to 25-10 and PCAC mark to 17-7.
Grossmont concludes the regular season on Thursday
(Apr. 25) by hosting Southwestern at Noel Mickelsen
Field at 2 p.m.
Good Knight, now
© East County Sports.com
BALBOA PARK (4-21-13) — One of the fears Grossmont
coach RANDY ABSHIER no doubt had in the back of his
mind was that his Griffins would shift into neutral
and cruise to the finish line in the final round of
Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play.
Oh sure, the Griffins knocked off Palomar for the first
time all season, but have also dropped two other decisions,
including a 4-3 setback at the hands of San Diego City
College on Saturday (Apr. 20) at Morley Field.
The Griffins produced a meager attack against two Knights
pitchers, generating just six hits.
The only spark in the Grossmont arsenal was CURREN
FACER, who drilled a double and a triple in four at-bats.
Unfortunately he did not score and had only one RBI.
City College (13-17, 11-12 PCAC) took a 4-0 lead after
six innings.
The Griffins (24-10, 16-7 PCAC) began a belated comeback
with a run in the 7th inning. JESSE JENNER walked, advanced
to second on a wild pitch and scampered to third on
a single by BRIAN LOCKEY. When the ball was bobbled
in the outfield, Jenner scored.
Grossmont was back at it in the 8th inning. KYLE HOLDER
slashed a one-out single to the left side and stole
second. BRADEN PETERS walked, and both runners moved
up on a wild pitch. A throwing error handed the Griffins
one run, and a triple to right center by Facer cut the
deficit to 4-3.
Grossmont went out in order in the top of the 9th.
Two games remain on the Griffins’ regular season
schedule beginning with a trip to Imperial Valley on
Tuesday (Apr. 23). The final game will be at Noel Mickelsen
Field against Southwestern on Thursday (Apr. 25) at
2 p.m.
Griffins get last laugh against PCAC titlist Palomar
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-19-13) — It took the Grossmont College
Griffins five tries to finally knock off Pacific Coast
Athletic Conference champion Palomar.
But it wasn’t easy, as the Griffins snapped a
5-5 tie with a run in the bottom of the 9th to snag
a 6-5 victory in Thursday’s (Apr. 18) contest at
Noel Mickelsen Field.
The decisive rally for Grossmont (24-9, 16-6 PCAC)
started when CURREN FACER drew a walk and JESSE JENNER
was hit by a pitch. BRIAN LOCKEY sacrificed the runners
up a base, but the Comets countered with an intentional
walk to BILLY FLAMION.
At that point Griffins coach RANDY ABSHIER pulled a
daredevil move, as pinch-hitter JAVIER GONZALEZ laid
down a squeeze bunt to score Facer with the game winner.
The victory solidified second place for the Griffins
and kept their slim hopes for a co-championship alive
with three games remaining.
The Comets (22-10, 19-3 PCAC) cannot be denied the
No. 1 seed in the playoffs, regardless of the final
standings.
Grossmont broke a 2-2 tie in the 4th inning. Flamion
walked and JOVANI REYNOSO singled to right. KACY SMITH
dropped a bunt single to load the bases. Palomar furnished
a wild pitch to score Flamion.
The Griffins added two more in the 5th. Jenner drew
a one-out walk. One out later Flamion hammered a home
run to right field.
Grossmont’s ZACH AMBROSE pitched 2 shutout innings
to post his 4th win in as many decisions.
Grossmont starter ADAM ANAWALT pitched 7 innings and
allowed just 2 unearned runs.
Next up for the Griffins is a trip to Morley Field
where they will face San Diego City College on Saturday
(Apr. 20) at noon.
Streak snapped, but Griffins
on-track for postseason berth
© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (4-17-13) — Grossmont College saw its
9-game winning streak come to an end on Tuesday (Apr.
16) as the Griffins failed to hold a 3-0 lead in an
eventual 5-4 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference loss
at San Diego Mesa College .
The Olympians (13-18, 8-13 PCAC) broke a 4-4 tie in
the bottom of the 7th inning as Sean Baumes hammered
a game-winning solo home run to right field.
It was the second time in five tries Mesa has beaten
Grossmont this season. Grossmont’s other four losses
have come to front-running Palomar.
The Griffins started out fast, scoring twice in the
opening frame. KYLE HOLDER provided the spark with a
leadoff single to the left side. He moved to second
on a sacrifice by BRADEN PETERS and scored on a single
to left by DYLAN GARCIA. JESSE JENNER capped the inning
with a run-scoring triple to center field.
The Griffins made it 3-0 an inning later as BILLY FLAMION
singled to the right side and advanced to second on
a sacrifice by JOVANI REYNOSO. KACY SMITH singled to
left and Flamion kept on coming when the left-fielder
threw the ball away.
Mesa clawed back to tie the game 3-3 after four frames.
Once again though, Grossmont regained the lead in the
5th with a 2-out rally sparked by Garcia’s triple.
He scored on a wild pitch.
After that Grossmont’s offense faded away and
the Griffins put another kink in their bid for a post-season
playoff home game.
Garcia led Grossmont’s 10 hit attack with 3 hits
in 4 at-bats, and Holder was 2-for-4.
Mesa’s victory had a little East County flavor
to it. TYLER TIMMER (Grossmont HS) was 1-for-3 with
a double and an RBI, catcher GARRET SCHILLING (West
Hills) was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Grossmont will have its final shot at beating PCAC
champion Palomar on Thursday (Apr. 18) when the Comets
visit Noel Mickelsen Field at 2 p.m.
Grossmont eyes postseason berth
WIn streak hits nine following another series sweep
© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (4-14-13) — Visiting Grossmont College
executed a three-game sweep over the Southwestern College
Jaguars Saturday (Apr. 13) as they pounded out a dozen
hits in an 8-7 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference victory.
The win hoisted the Griffins’ overall mark to
23-8 and conference ledger to 15-5. Grossmont has won
a season-best nine in a row.
“We’re a complete package this year,”
said Grossmont coach RANDY ABSHIER. “Right now
we have the 2nd best record in Southern California .
We want to keep it up enough so that maybe we can get
a home playoff game.”
Grossmont erased an early 2-1 deficit with four runs
in the 2nd inning. JESSE JENNER got the Griffins started
with a double and advanced to third on BRIAN LOCKEY’s
sacrifice bunt. BILLY FLAMION singled to tie the game
2-2. JOVANI REYNOSO followed with a base hit. KACY SMITH
put down a bunt and wound up at second base on a throwing
error as Flamion scored and Reynoso went to third.
Reynoso then cruised home on a wild pitch by Mount
Miguel graduate and Southwestern starter JUWAN McCRAY.
The Griffins added a fourth run in the 2nd frame on
a second Southwestern throwing error.
Grossmont made it 6-3 in the 4th inning as Smith singled,
advanced to second on KYLE HOLDER’s sacrifice bunt
and scored on a base hit by BRADEN PETERS.
The Griffins scored their final two runs in the 6th
inning. Reynoso singled but was erased on a force play
off a ground ball by Smith. Smith advanced a base on
a wild pitch and took third on a single by Holder. Smith
scored on a suicide squeeze by Peters. DYLAN GARCIA’s
RBI triple closed out the Grossmont scoring.
Peters finished 3-for-4 to pace the Griffins.
The Jaguars (18-13, 11-9 PCAC) took a 2-1 lead in the
bottom of the 1st. West Hills product CHRIS ALLEN singled,
advanced on a walk to Hector Montes, stole third and
scored on a ground out. The Jaguars edged in front on
an RBI single by CODY SOS (Grossmont HS).
Three of the four Southwestern pitchers opposing the
Griffins on this day hailed from East County –
McCray, BRANDON DELANEY (West Hills) and MATT DeROSIER
(El Capitan).
The Griffins’ freshman southpaw SHANE COLEMAN
( El Capitan ) scattered 7 hits and allowed 3 earned
runs over seven innings to post his 5th win in 6 decisions.
CHRISTOPHER ROSA shut down the Southwestern rally in
the bottom of the 9th to earn his first save for the
Griffins.
Grossmont will begin its final round of PCAC play on
Tuesday (Apr. 16) when the Griffins travel to San Diego
Mesa at 2 p.m. The Olympians are the only conference
team besides first place Palomar to beat the Griffs
this season.
Streaking Griffins capture 8th straight
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-12-13) — Grossmont College continued
its drive for the playoffs by knocking off Southwestern
College, 11-7, for its 8th straight win in Thursday’s
(Apr. 11) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference game at
Noel Mickelsen Field.
The Griffins (22-8, 14-5 PCAC) have won 14 of their
last 17 games. Their problem has been first-place Palomar,
which owns a 4-0 record against the Griffs.
Thus, the battle is for second place, which has shaped
up to be a duel between Grossmont and Southwestern.
At the moment – with six games remaining –
the Griffins own a 3-game lead over the Jaguars (18-12,
11-8 PCAC) for the conference second place.
KYLE HOLDER, DYLAN GARCIA, CURREN FACER and BILLY FLAMION
had 3 hits apiece to spark the Griffins to their latest
victory.
Flamion drove in 3 runs with a pair of doubles. Facer
had a triple and a pair of singles for an RBI. On top
of that JESSE JENNER slammed his second home run of
the season with a man aboard as Grossmont totaled 18
hits.
Seven Grossmont pitchers shared in shutting down the
Jaguars. Starter ADAM ANAWALT (6-3) allowed only one
run and two hits in his five inning stint. RANDY WYNNE
recorded the final four outs for the save.
Southwestern’s losing pitcher was El Capitan graduate
MATT DeROSIERS, who allowed six runs and nine hits in
1 2/3 innings.
The same two teams will meet again on Saturday (Apr.
13) at Southwestern at noon.
No. 11 Griffins bounce Jaguars, win streak hits seven
By Mark Meadows
© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (4-10-13) — BRADEN PETERS crushed a
3-run home run and BRIAN LOCKEY drove in 3 runs to back
starting pitcher KENDALL LINDLEY's 6-inning effort to
raise the No. 11 ranked Grossmont College Griffins to
a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference victory against
No. 18 Southwestern College on Tuesday (Apr. 9).
The Griffins (21-8, 13-5 PCAC) pulled two games ahead
of the Jaguars for second place after posting a convincing
8-4 win.
One could understand those who expected a pitching
duel between the Griffins and Jaguars, as they boasted
7 of the top 11 ERA's in the PCAC. So much for expectations.
Grossmont pounded out 15 hits and Southwestern (18-11,
11-7 PCAC) added 12 of their own.
Peters (3-for-5, 3 runs, 3 RBI) got the Griffins going
in the first with a one out single and later scored
on a wild pitch.
Southwestern tied the score in the bottom of the inning,
but Lockey (3 RBI) put the Griffs ahead to stay with
a 2-run double. Lockey slashed an 0-1 curveball down
the leftfield line to plate CURREN FACER and JESSE JENNER
(3-for-4, 2 runs), both aboard with line singles.
In the 4th inning and up 3-1, Peters would deliver
the death blow. With teammates KACY SMITH and KYLE HOLDER
reaching base on a walk and an error, Peters liked the
first pitch he saw.
He dusted a curveball over the leftfield fence to propel
the Griffins to a 6-1 advantage.
"My swing feels really good right now," said
Peters. "I wasn't really looking for the curve,
I just reacted to what I saw."
Coach RANDY ABSHIER also had praise for Peters.
"Wow, that is a 'big boy' shot,” Abshier
said. “To hit it out of this park on that pitch,
it tells you how Braden is going right now."
While Southwestern would close the gap to 6-4, Grossmont
would add single tallies in the 5th and 9th innings
to remove any drama.
In the 5th Jenner would double and BILLY FLAMION brought
him home on a single. In the 9th, Peters would score
on a Lockey ground ball to close out the scoring.
The Griffins had two additional outstanding performances.
DYLAN GARCIA went 4-for-4 at the plate, while relief
specialist ZACH AMBROSE extended his consecutive scoreless
streak to 32.2 innings with 2 more innings of 1-hit
relief. Lindley's record went to 6-2.
With two games left in the Southwestern series that
resumes Thursday (Apr. 11) at Noel Mickelsen Field at
2:00pm, coach Abshier commented on the importance this
game.
"Being up a game against Southwestern going into
today's game makes this a huge win," Abshier added.
"Now we are headed home, up 2 games. That puts
added pressure on Southwestern."
Another G-House sweep, win streak hits six
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-6-13) — Grossmont College completed
a 3-game sweep of visiting Imperial Valley College with
an 8-1 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference victory at
Noel Mickelsen Field.
The Griffins, who have won six straight, improved to
20-8 overall and 12-5 in the PCAC.
Grossmont’s latest conquest came on pitching-by-committee.
SHANE COLEMAN (4-1) did the bulk of the work for the
Griffins, holding the Arabs (2-25, 1-16 PCAC) hitless
over five innings with three strikeouts.
JOVANI REYNOSO and BRANDON PETERS hammered solo homers
for the Griffins, who totaled 15 hits on the afternoon.
BRIAN LOCKEY was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and
3 RBI for Grossmont.
DYLAN GARCIA continued his hitting tear for the Griffins
with two doubles and a single in four at-bats.
Grossmont’s fate in the playoffs will most likely
be determined next week when the Griffins face Southwestern
in a three-game series, beginning Tuesday (Apr. 9) in
Chula Vista at 2 p.m.
Griffins bury Imperial Valley, seek series sweep
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-5-13) — CURREN FACER and KYLE HOLDER
pounded out four hits apiece Thursday (Apr. 4) as Grossmont
College went motorboatin’ over Imperial Valley
College, 9-1, in a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference
encounter.
The Griffins (19-8, 11-5 PCAC) have outscored the Arabs
51-5 in three games. These same two teams will play
again on Friday (Apr. 5) at the Griffins’ Noel
Mickelsen Field at noon.
Holder, who also scored three runs and drove in a fourth,
raised his team-leading batting average to .396 (40-101).
He also had 16 RBI.
Facer was 4-for-4 with 3 RBI and two runs scored. He’s
batting at a .358 clip (38-106). Facer leads the team
with 21 RBI.
DYLAN GARCIA chipped in with a double and a single
and one RBI, hoisting his season average to .389 (42-108).
He has 19 RBI.
ADAM ANAWALT allowed one run on three hits to log his
5th win in eight decisions while lowering his ERA to
2.05 in 61.1 frames.
Reliever-extraordinaire ZACH AMBROSE chipped in with
one shutout inning and has not allowed an earned run
in 30.2 innings.
Escape from the Valley
© East County Sports.com
IMPERIAL (4-3-13) — Eleven Griffins contributed
to a 24-hit attack as Grossmont College crushed host
Imperial Valley College, 20-2, in Tuesday’s (Apr.
2) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest in the
desert.
DYLAN GARCIA led the charge for the Griffins (18-8,
10-5 PCAC) with 4 hits and 4 RBI in 7 at-bats.
Leadoff man KYLE HOLDER was 3-for-6 with a double,
4 runs scored and an RBI for the Griffins, who posted
their 4th straight win.
BRADEN PETERS also had 3 hits, as did BRIAN LOCKEY.
JESSE JENNER was 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, 4
runs scored and 3 RBI.
BILLY FLAMION whacked a double and a triple and drove
in three runs in five at-bats.
Grossmont starter KENDALL LINDLEY (5-2) left the game
after five innings with a no-hitter and 8 strikeouts.
Grossmont scored 9 runs in the 8th inning to truly
make this a rout over the Arabs (2-23, 1-14 PCAC).
The three game series between the two teams will continue
on Thursday (Apr. 4) at Grossmont at 2 p.m. The series
finale will also be at Noel Mickelsen Field on Friday
(Apr. 5) at noon.
Griffins complete 3-game sweep of City
By Mark Meadows
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-30-13) — The spotlight in community
college baseball has turned up its intensity switch
a couple of notches for the stretch run in the final
12 games of Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play.
The No. 16 raenkd Grossmont College Griffins were trying
to keep themselves squarely in the conference and playoff
race. The San Diego City Knights were standing in their
way Friday (Mar. 29) at Noel Mickelsen Field.
DYLAN GARCIA, BRADEN PETERS and JESSE JENNER each had
multiple hits in support of starting pitcher SHANE COLEMAN,
leading Grossmont (17-8, 9-5 PCAC) to a 6-2 victory.
The Griffins opened the scoring in the 2nd inning with
Jenner's (2 for 4, 2 RBIs) booming double to right-center.
He scored on a BRIAN LOCKEY RBI single to left. BILLY
FLAMION next scalded a single to center. And following
a JAVIER GONZALEZ single to load the bases, KYLE HOLDER
worked the Knights pitcher for a walk to plate Lockey.
Peters followed with single to left to make it 3-0.
Garcia chased Gonzalez home with a groundout for the
final run of the frame giving the Griffins a 4-0 advantage.
Garcia (3 for 4, 1 RBI) talked about his recent approach
at the plate.
"I've been trying to sit back and be more patient,"
he said. "I'm trying to think more about driving
the ball to the opposite field."
Mission accomplished.
Left-handed hitting Garcia's 3 hits (including a triple)
were all to the left side.
The Griffins' 4th inning started with a Peters’
single to left. Garcia kept the leftfielder busy with
a single of his own. A CURREN FACER groundout to first
base advanced Peters and Garcia, and brought Jenner
to the plate.
After taking a first pitch curveball for a strike,
San Diego City (8-13, 6-8) went to the well one too
many times.
One hanging curve later, Jenner's teammates were on
their way to the plate to greet Peters and Garcia as
they crossed.
Jenner talked about his mindset at the plate.
"I'm trying to be more focused. Compact my swing
a little more," he said. "I've been hitting
in the 5 spot lately and I'm seeing more fastballs,
but I'm still trying to stay back and drive the ball."
Coleman cruised through the first five innings yielding
only a single safety. He made his own mess in the 6th.
After a lead single, Coleman made a tentative throw
to first on a bunt play that pulled the Griffin first
sacker off the bag allowing both runners to reach base.
Following a subsequent sacrifice bunt, head coach RANDY
ABSHIER strode to the mound to discuss matters. In a
bit of a surprise, it was Coleman who was the first
to leave the mound. Abshier opted in favor of trusted
relief specialist ZACHARY AMBROSE. Ambrose threw 3 pitches
to get 2 outs and the Griffins escaped with minimal
damage.
"Shane is young. He's an East County product with
loads of potential," Abshier stated. "He's
fearless on the mound and has pitched in big games before.
But Ambrose has been lights out for us and we weren't
taking any chances."
Coleman's take was much the same, "Obviously I
want to stay in the game. But our bullpen has been incredible
this year. If I have to give the ball up, Ambrose is
the guy."
The Griffins next open a 3-game set with Imperial Valley
College . While the temptation for Griffin fans would
be to look past IVC to the upcoming Southwestern College
series, coach Abshier was having none of that.
"IVC always scares me," he said. "You
have the travel, the weather, and it seems like they
always trip up someone down the stretch."
Facer gains game-winning RBI in the 9th
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (3-29-13) — Grossmont College’s
CURREN FACER set the pace in Thursday’s (Mar. 28)
Pacific Coast Athletic Conference 7-6 victory over San
Diego City College at Morley Field.
Facer was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI as the Griffins (16-8,
8-5 PCAC) defeated the Knights for the third time in
as many tries. The same two teams will meet again on
Friday (Mar. 29) at Noel Mickelsen Field at 2 p.m.
The Griffins scored the winning run in the 9th inning.
With one out BRADEN PETERS walked and advanced to third
on a wild pickoff throw by City pitcher Edgar Martinez.
DYLAN GARCIA walked. Facer then laid down a bunt single,
scoring Peters.
KYLE HOLDER and Garcia contributed 2 hits apiece to
Grossmont’s 9-hit assault.
Grossmont starter ADAM ANAWALT was victimized by shoddy
Grossmont defense, which handed the Knights five unearned
runs.
Reliever RANDY WYNNE blanked San Diego City on 2 hits
over the final 2 1/3 innings to log his 3rd win in four
decisions.
Griffins belong to the City, nip Knights in extras
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-27-13) — Attempting to recover from
a three-game Pacific Coast Athletic Conference losing
streak, the host Grossmont College Griffins rebounded
from a 3-0 deficit to edge San Diego City College, 5-4,
Tuesday (Mar. 26) in 10 innings.
It was the Griffins’ third conference game that
has stretched extra innings, with Grossmont finishing
on top twice.
JOVANI REYNOSO laced the ball up the middle to drive
in JESSE JENNER from third base for a walk-off single
with two outs in the bottom of the 10th as Grossmont
improved to 7-5 in the PCAC and 15-8 overall.
Jenner reached base on a lead single, advanced to second
on BRIAN LOCKEY’s bunt and moved to third BILLY
FLAMION’s sacrifice fly.
Reynoso finished 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI.
Batting in the lead-off spot for one of the few times
this season for Grossmont, KYLE HOLDER was 3-for-4.
DYLAN GARCIA added two hits and one RBI.
Reliever RANDY WYNNE (2-1) pitched a hitless 10th to
log the victory.
These same two teams will meet in the second game of
a three-game series on Thursday (Mar. 28) at 2 p.m.
The series final will be Friday (Mar. 29) at Noel Mickelsen
Field also at 2 p.m.
Griffins attempt to regroup after Palomar sweep
Grossmont takes lead top of 11th only to lose
© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-23-13) — Grossmont College is in
a major regrouping mode as the Griffins prepare for
three Pacific Coast Athletic Conference games against
San Diego City this week, following a painful 4-3 loss
in 11 innings at PCAC leader Palomar in Saturday’s
(Mar. 23) game.
The Griffins (14-8, 6-5 in conference), who lost three
close games to the Comets during the week to fall behind
4-0 in the teams’ five-game season series, find
themselves in third place in the PCAC. They trail Palomar
(12-9, 9-2) by three games and second-place Southwestern,
which swept three games from Imperial Valley during
the week, by two games.
The Griffs have much less wiggle room than they would
prefer in attempting to make a championship run, although
there are still 14 games remaining in the conference
race and much baseball still to be played.
Saturday’s loss couldn’t have been tougher
or more frustrating for coach RANDY ABSHIER’s club,
which had a golden opportunity to move to within one
game of the Comets with a win after the Griffins took
a 3-2 lead in the top of the 11th.
DYLAN GARCIA drew a one-out walk off Palomar closer
Zach Wilkins. CURREN FACER advanced Garcia to second
base with a sacrifice bunt. JOVANI REYNOSO singled to
left to drive Garcia, who was waved around by third
base coach MIKE BUTTERFIELD to score the go-ahead run.
But Grossmont was unable to hold the lead in the bottom
of the inning, as Palomar answered with two runs on
back-to-back sacrifice flies by Dillan Smith and Dylan
Navarro. The latter scored Dennis Morton with the winning
run.
Twice, the Griffins had trailed early before battling
back to tie the game, the first time after falling behind
1-0 and the second time after trailing 2-1.
The Griffs, dipping into their bag of “little
ball” tricks, pulled even at 1-1 in the top of
the second after Facer reached first on an infield single
to lead off the inning. Reynoso moved him to second
with a sacrifice bunt. BRADEN PETERS was safe on a bunt
single, advancing Facer to third. Facer scored on another
bunt – by KYLE HOLDER as Abshier pulled the strings
for a squeeze play.
Palomar took a 2-1 lead in the home half of the 3rd,
and that’s the way it remained until the Grossmont
eighth.
JAVIER GONZALEZ got the inning rolling by lashing a
lead-off single up the middle. He advanced to second
on a wild pitch. JESSE JENNER bunted Gonzalez to third
and he came home when BILLY FLAMION singled through
the right side.
The Griffs had an opportunity to take the lead in the
ninth inning when Facer doubled to left with one out.
But he was left stranded.
Palomar’s Chris Sanders went 4-for-4 with a sacrifice
bunt and a sliding catch in center field to rob Reynoso
of a hit. It appeared there was no way Sanders would
be able to catch Reynoso’s sinking liner to lead
off the inning.
Facer went 2-for-4 to lead Grossmont at the plate.
The Griffins’ series with San Diego City begins
on Tuesday (Mar. 26) at Noel Mickelsen Field. It shifts
to Morley Field in Balboa Park on Thursday before the
two teams return to Mickelsen Field on Friday (Mar.
29). All three games are slated for 2 p.m. starts.
Comets remain unbeaten against Griffins
By Mark Meadows
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-22-13) — March Madness in college basketball
began Tuesday (Mar. 19). The 14th-rated Grossmont
College Griffins, unfortunately, started their own version
of that event on the same day.
After beginning March with six consecutive wins to
storm into a first-place tie in the Pacific Coast Athletic
Conference, the Griffins (14-7, 6-4 PCAC) have since
stumbled to back-to-back losses to open a three-game
set against new conference front-runner Palomar (11-9,
8-2 PCAC).
The Griffins dropped the first game of the series on
Tuesday, but had a chance to regain a share of first
place at Noel Mickelsen Field on Thursday (Mar. 21),
but fell to Palomar 7-5.
The Griffins were trailing 5-0, but rallied in the
bottom of the 6th.
El Capitan product CURREN FACER drew a lead walk and
JESSE JENNER was hit by a pitch. Sophomore right-fielder
BILLY FLAMION followed with safety to right that loaded
the bases with nobody out.
JOVANI REYNOSO then plated Grossmont's first run with
single to left field. BRADEN PETERS also had a run scoring
single that cut Palomar's lead to 5-2. A BRIAN LOCKEY
groundout brought Reynoso home with the third run.
With two outs and the infield back, left-handed hitting
KYLE HOLDER dropped a stealth bunt down the third base
line that scored Peters making the score 5-4.
Following a four run rally like that, the pitching
staff has but one job to do – put up a zero.
They didn't.
Palomar retaliated with 2 runs, including a squeeze
bunt to push its lead to 7-4.
It was one of many concerns for Griffins head coach
RANDY ABSHIER.
“You just have to shut them down after we rally
back and we didn't get that done," he said. "I'm
looking for us to be more focused and be mentally tougher.
Plus we left a ton of guys on base today."
While the Griffins would get a run back in the bottom
of the 7th on a bases loaded walk to Reynoso, that was
as close as they would get.
You can pick your poison on what were the deciding
factors that led to the Griffins’ loss. It could
be the six walks issued by the pitchers. It could be
the 10 hits they allowed. It might be the nine runners
left on base. It might be the lack of clutch hitting
with runners in scoring position. Maybe it was an overall
lack of team focus on the task at hand.
Most likely it was all of the above.
Offensively, Peters paced the Griffins with 2 hits
and an RBI. Reynoso chipped in with a hit and 2 RBIs.
Pitcher RANDY WYNNE finished the game with 2 scoreless
innings of relief.
Grossmont travels to Palomar on Sat (Mar. 23) to finish
up the 3 game series at 2 p.m.
Abshier didn't downplay the importance of this game.
"We don't usually throw
around terms like 'must win game,'” he stated.
"I told our guys flat out – this is a 'must
win game.’
“In terms of the conference title. For postseason
seeding. Heck, just for position in the conference itself.
It's a huge game."
Comets halt Griffs’ streak at 6 in pitchers’
duel
Grossmont gets rematch at home Thursday after 2-0 loss
© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-20-13) — Grossmont College saw its
win streak halted at 6 games in Tuesday’s (Mar.
19) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference match-up at Palomar’s
Myers Field, dropping a 2-0 pitchers’ duel to the
host Comets. The loss bounced the Griffins, who charged
into a first-place tie with the Palomar on Saturday
with a 14-2 rout of San Diego Mesa, into a second-place
tie with a Southwestern team that held off Imperial
Valley 8-6 on Tuesday at Imperial.
The Griffins (14-6, 6-3 in the PCAC) have an opportunity
to move back into a tie for the conference lead when
they host the Comets (10-9, 7-2) on Thursday (Mar. 21)
at 2 p.m. at Noel Mickelsen Field. The teams conclude
their three-game series at Palomar on Saturday (Mar.
23) at 2 p.m.
Grossmont came into Tuesday’s game with considerable
momentum after sweeping San Diego Mesa three games to
none last week, and pitching starter KENDALL LINDLEY
more than upheld his end of the bargain for the Griffins
as he kept the Comets in check over the first six innings.
But 6-foot-4 Palomar left-hander Anthony McIver, a transfer
from Notre Dame who has signed early with USD, shut
out the Griffs through eight innings in front of Torero
coach Rich Hill. And that left Lindley, who came into
the game with a 4-1 record, with absolutely no wiggle
room.
Palomar scratched out single runs in the fourth and
sixth innings and led by the final 2-0 margin when ZACH
AMBROSE came on to relieve Lindley to begin the eighth
inning. Ambrose pitched two innings of hitless, scoreless
ball but by then the horses were out of the barn.
Grossmont put runners at third base in the third, seventh
and eighth innings, and to second base top of the ninth,
but in each case came up empty handed. For the game,
the Griffins left eight runners on based.
Palomar’s McIver was helped along by two huge
plays by his defense. Chris Sanders made a diving catch
coming in at full speed from center field to rob CURREN
FACER of a hit in the sixth inning. Sanders sold out
to make the catch, and if he would have missed the ball
it appeared that Facer would have at least made it to
third base.
Then, in the top of the seventh, former Griffin Justin
Hargrove made a perfect throw from left to gun down
BILLY FLAMION at the plate as he tried to score from
second on a single by JOVANI REYNOSO. Flamion had left
off the inning by reaching base as a hit batter. He
advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by BRIAN LOCKEY.
BRADEN PETERS also singled in the inning, but both
Reynoso and Peters were left stranded.
DYLAN GARCIA and KYLE HOLDER paced a eight-hit attack
for Grossmont with two hits apiece. Garcia went 2-for-4
with a double and a single. Holder was 2-for-3 as he
singled twice. KACY SMITH also contributed a single
for the Griffs.
Notes: Saturday’s game at Palomar is expected
to start some time around 2 p.m., following a double-header
on the adjacent Comet softball field. The regular PCAC
Saturday starting time for baseball is noon. But, due
to safety concerns as baseballs and softballs have flown
back and forth over a fence both teams use with the
two home plates close enough together to make that dangerous,
Palomar officials no longer allow home baseball and
softball games to be played at the same time.
Griffins bomb Mesa, winning streak reaches six
Series sweep moves Grossmont into tie for first
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-17-13) — Grossmont College stretched
its Pacific Coast Athletic Conference winning streak
to 6 in a row by bombarding visiting San Diego Mesa
College 14-2 in Saturday’s (Mar. 16) action at
Noel Mickelsen Field.
The victory hoisted the Griffins’ conference record
to 6-2 and their overall mark to 14-5.
Due to Palomar’s 2-1 loss to Southwestern, the
Griffins are now tied for PCAC lead with the Comets.
In their latest victory the Griffins hammered out 18
hits, including home runs by JESSE JENNER and JOVANI
REYNOSO.
It was an especially big day for Reynoso, who was 3-for-5
with 5 RBI. Jenner also had 3 RBI, while DYLAN GARCIA
was 4-for-5 with 4 runs scored and an RBI for the streaking
Griffins.
Grossmont’s offense was up and down the batting
order, anchored by No. 9 hitter KYLE HOLDER, who was
3-for-5 with 2 RBI.
There were plenty of honors to go around including
CURREN FACER, who was 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored and
an RBI, and BRENDEN PETERS, who was 2-for-3 with a double,
2 runs scored and an RBI.
Almost lost in the shuffle was Grossmont’s power
pitching. Starter SHANE COLEMAN blanked the Olympians
on one hit over 6 innings while striking out 4. Four
Griffin relievers finished the game.
Grossmont begins a 3-game series against Palomar Tuesday
(Mar. 19) in San Marcos at 2 p.m.
Griffins nip Mesa in extra innings
© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (3-15-13) — ADAM ANAWALT and ZACH AMBROSE
slapped the handcuffs on host San Diego Mesa College,
as Grossmont College claimed a 3-1 Pacific Coast Athletic
Conference victory in 10 innings Thursday (Mar. 14)
to remain one game behind front-running Palomar.
Anawalt allowed only one run on 5 hits while striking
out 9 during a nine inning stint as the Griffins (13-5,
5-2) posted their fifth straight PCAC victory.
Ambrose retired the Olympians in order in the bottom
of the 10th.
Grossmont snapped a 1-1 tie with two unearned runs
in the 10th inning. BRIAN LOCKEY supplied the key blow,
a double to right field to drive in one of the runs.
Mesa (7-9, 2-5 PCAC) contributed two errors to hand
the Griffins the other run.
In a lot of ways Grossmont was fortunate to squeeze
out the victory. The Griffins made the minimum out of
14 hits as they left 11 runners on base.
BILLY FLAMION was 3-for-5 to pace the Grossmont offense.
KACY SMITH was 2-for-5 including an RBI double in the
7th inning to tie the game at 1-1.
Catcher JESSE JENNER and shortstop KYLE HOLDER also
had 2 hits apiece, as did Lockey.
These two teams will conclude their 3-game series on
Saturday (Mar. 16) at Grossmont’s Noel Mickelsen
Field at noon.
Griffins pitching keeps producing
Lindley, Ambrose shut down Mesa, 5-1
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-13-13) — Behind the stout pitching
of KENDALL LINDLEY and ZACH AMBROSE, Grossmont College
rolled over visiting San Diego Mesa, 5-1, Tuesday (Mar. 12)
for the Griffins’ fourth consecutive Pacific Coast
Athletic Conference victory.
Lindley (4-1) scattered 7 hits over eight innings while
walking one and striking out 7. Ambrose spun a shutout
9th.
The Griffins (12-5, 4-2 PCAC) scored 4 runs on just
one hit in the 6th inning to snap a scoreless tie. The
lone safety was a lead single by CURREN FACER, who finished
3-for-4 with a double.
BRADEN PETERS doubled and eventually scored the final
Grossmont run on a balk in the 8th inning. He had two
of the Griffins’ 8 hits as did KACY SMITH.
This is the first of a three-game series between these
two teams. They meet again on Thursday (Mar. 14) at
Mesa at 2 p.m. The series closes Saturday (Mar. 16)
at Noel Mickelsen Field at noon.
|
Anawalt named PCAC's best
© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-12-13) --- The Pacific Coast Athletic
Conference has selected Grossmont College baseball
pitcher Adam Anawalt and San Diego Mesa diver
Nathan Bochert as Male Athletes of the Week for
the period ending Sunday (Mar. 10)
Anawalt, a sophomore right-handed pitcher from
San Clemente High and a transfer from San Diego
State, threw a complete game one-hitter, striking
out six, to beat Southwestern, 2-1, and knock
the defending PCAC co-champs and undisputed conference
leaders into a tie for first place with Palomar.
It was Anawalt’s third consecutive complete
game.
|
Griffins' Anawalt handcuffs Southwestern
© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-8-13) — ADAM ANAWALT pitched a complete
game Thursday (Mar. 7) as visiting Grossmont College
came from behind to edge Southwestern, 2-1, in a Pacific
Coast Athletic Conference contest.
It was the third straight conference win for the Griffins
(11-5, 3-2 PCAC).
Grossmont erased a 1-0 deficit on KACY SMITH’s
two-run single in the 5th inning.
That would be enough for Anawalt, who stranded the
potential tying run at second base with a game-ending
strikeout.
Grossmont draws a bye on Saturday (Mar. 9) before beginning
a three-game series against San Diego Mesa at Noel Mickelsen
Field on Tuesday (Mar. 12) at 2 p.m.
How sweet!
Griffins score record 16 runs in one inning
By Mark Meadows
©East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-6-13) — Visiting Imperial Valley was
trailing Grossmont College only 1-0 after four innings
of Tuesday’s (Mar. 5) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference
contest at Noel Mickelsen Field.
The Arabs were surely happy to be in the game. But
things were going to get worse. Historically worse.
A Grossmont College record 16 runs in the 5th inning
would pave the way to a 22-2 win.
Batting around once in an inning is one thing. Batting
around twice in the same inning leads to records. The
16-run outburst wasn't the only record set. KYLE HOLDER
established another Griffins milestone with 3 hits in
the same inning. Holder's hits included a bunt single,
a double and a triple.
The Griffins had gone homerless in the previous 14
games until Griffins right fielder BILLY FLAMION ended
the drought with a whistling shot down the right field
line with the bases full. Flamion had the first homer
and grand slam of the season. But it wouldn't be the
last.
With hitters fighting to get to the bat rack, the statistics
reflected Grossmont's dominance.
Apparently BRIAN LOCKEY wasn't so impressed as he duplicated
Flamion's feat in the 8th. A second Griffin homer and
a 2nd grand slam, as Lockey finished the day with 7
RBI.
Holder finished with 4 hits and JAVIER GONZALEZ had
3 hits on the day.
Griffin starting pitcher KENDALL LINDLEY went 5 innings
allowing only 4 hits and no runs with 8 strikeouts to
push his season record to 3-1.
Grossmont (10-5 overall) evens its PCAC conference
record at 2-2. But the task ahead gets much tougher
as the Griffins face undefeated Southwestern (4-0) in
Chula Vista on Thursday (Mar. 7) at 2 pm.
Griffins swat City for first PCAC triumph
By Mark Meadows
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-3-13) — A season of streaks turned
backed toward the positive direction Saturday (Mar.
2) following a 5-2 victory in Pacific Coast Athletic
Conference action at Noel Mickelsen Field.
The rollercoaster Griffins (9-5, 1-2 PCAC) snapped
a 2-game skid as KYLE HOLDER finished with three hits
and a pair of RBI to pace the Grossmont attack.
Leading 1-0, the Griffins used textbook "small
ball" to expand their lead.
Holder opened with a bunt single. KACY SMITH followed
with a sacrifice bunt, then JAVIER GONZALEZ singled
up the middle to easily score the run.
After SDCC got the run back, Grossmont put this one
away with three runs in the 6th inning.
CURREN FACER started the rally with a lead single.
Following walks to BILLY FLAMION and JOVANI REYNOSO
to load the bases, Holder singled to center to plate
a run. Smith added an RBI single and Gonzalez delivered
a run-scoring groundout.
"I'm really comfortable hitting down in the order,"
said Holder, a University City High product. "I
get to see a lot of pitches and I treat it like I'm
a second lead-off hitter.”
Smith finished with two hits and BRIAN LOCKEY also
added two. Of note, all five Grossmont runs were driven
in by the Nos. 1, 2 and 9 hitters.
Former El Capitan standout SHANE COLEMAN (1-1) pitched
5 2/3 innings of 5-hit ball, striking out 4 without
a walk to gain the win.
"It's good to get that first (conference) win,
but more important to stop the team's 2 game losing
streak", Coleman noted. "The Knights were
aggressive at the plate, so I had to mix it up."
Grossmont head coach RANDY ABSHIER echoed Coleman.
"Getting that first conference win is the hardest
one,” he said. “Stopping a two-game conference
losing streak might be even bigger."
Grossmont looks to even their PCAC record on Tuesday
(Mar. 5) at home against Imperial Valley, starting at
2 p.m.
Comets need just one inning to win pitchers' duel
© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-1-13) — Grossmont College’s
entry into the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference schedule
has been nothing short of disappointing as the Griffins
have lost back-to-back games to San Diego Mesa and Palomar.
In Thursday’s (Feb. 28) loss at Palomar's Myers
Field. the Comets put up two runs in the first inning
for the only scoring in a 2-0 shutout victory.
Palomar pitchers Kyle Montiel and Zach Wilkins handed
the Griffins their first shutout in 13 games this season.
Montiel tosses eight solid innings, then Wilkins struck
out the side in the 9th to snap the Comets' 5-game losing
streak.
For Grossmont, ADAM ANAWALT pitched a complete game
in a losing effort.
Palomar’s record is 4-8 (1-1 PCAC), while Grossmont
fell to 8-5 (0-2 PCAC).
The Griffins will attempt to break into the PCAC win
column when they host San Diego City College Saturday
(Mar. 2) at noon.
Griffins drop PCAC opener on error
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-27-13) — DYLAN GARCIA and BRIAN LOCKEY
ripped three hits apiece but it wasn’t enough to
save host Grossmont College from a 5-3 Pacific Coast
Athletic Conference loss to San Diego Mesa in Tuesday’s
(Feb. 26) conference opener at Noel Mickelsen Field.
Grossmont outhit the Olympians 12-11 but stranded 11
baserunners. The Griffins made only one error, but it
led to two unearned runs for Mesa (6-4, 1-0 PCAC).
The Griffins (8-4, 0-1 PCAC) took a 1-0 lead in the
2nd inning. Lockey opened the inning with a single to
right center and advanced to second on a JAVIER GONZALEZ
sacrifice. With two outs BRADEN PETERS singled, scoring
Lockey.
That advantage was short-lived as Mesa picked up two
runs in the top of the 3rd.
Grossmont tied it in the bottom of the inning on Lockey’s
RBI single.
The Olympians took the lead for keeps 3-2 in the 4th
on a basehit by former Christian High standout JOSH
SUFFRIDGE.
JESSE JENNER single to right-center, scoring Garcia
in the bottom of the 9th, but Lockey grounded into a
game-ending double play.
KENDALL LINDLEY scattered 11 hits over 7 innings but
was tagged with his first loss in three decisions.
Grossmont plays at Palomar next on Thursday (Feb. 28)
at 2 p.m.
Griffins defense pummels Pasadena
© East County Sports.com
PASADENA (2-23-13) — Five double plays added comfort
to the four Grossmont College pitchers that paraded
to the mound Friday (Feb. 22) in the Griffins 7-3 victory
at Pasadena City College.
Grossmont (8-3), which defeated Pasadena 11-4 earlier
in the season, took a 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning. JESSE
JENNER keyed the rally with a lead-off triple down the
left field line. BRIAN LOCKEY followed with a base hit
to make it 1-0.
JAVIER GONZALEZ added an RBI single and PAUL CAUDILLO
laid down a squeeze bunt to make it 3-0.
The Griffins added a run in the 6th as Gonzalez doubled
to left and scored on a base hit by Caudillo.
Grossmont turned the game into a rout with 3 runs in
the 8th inning. KYLE HOLDER hit the key blow –
a sacrifice fly – in that inning.
Pasadena did all its scoring in the bottom of the 9th.
Reliever ZACH AMBROSE pitched 2 2/3 innings of one-hit
relief and was rewarded with his 3rd win against no
losses. Not bad for a converted catcher.
This completes the Grossmont preseason schedule as
the Griffins will open PCAC action Tuesday (Feb. 26)
by hosting San Diego Mesa at 2 p.m.
Griffins survive 'The
Call of the Wild'
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-22-13) — Fullerton College was fully
warned by Mother Nature early in Thursday's (Feb. 21)
non-conference game against the Grossmont Griffins.
So the Hornets were anything but surprised when a wealth
of water unleashed from the sky precisely at the wrong
moment.
After Fullerton scored single runs in the 7th and 8th
innings, the momentum was entirely on its side until
the rains arrived, allowing the host Griffins to take
4-3 victory in a rain-shortened, 8-inning affair at
Noel Mickelsen Field.
The Griffins (7-3) have now captured six of the last
seven meetings with the Orange County power.
The early signs of weather-related disaster came early
when swirling winds induced a series of dropped fly
balls by the Fullerton outfield, allowing Grossmont
to secure a 4-1 lead.
Holding a 1-0 lead, the first Hornets drop allowed
CURREN FACER (2-out double) to score the tying run in
the 1st.
An inning later, Grossmont took advantage of two more
wind-driven errors, plus a throwing miscue, posting
three additional unearned runs.
This time, BRADEN PETERS and JAVIER GONZALEZ reached
base while Fullerton 's defenders struggled at the hilltop
ballfield. Later, basehits by KACY SMITH and DYLAN GARCIA
cashed in the “free” baserunners.
Then nature teased Fullerton (6-3).
The Griffins (7-3) later committed errors to allow
Fullerton to grab a pair of late runs before the contest
was called when winds brought in storm clouds.
Grossmont pitcher ADAM ANAWALT went all eight innings
to secure a complete-game victory. He struck out eight
and walked one, allowing just one earned run in the
1st in tossing a 6-hitter.
The Griffins garnered nine hits, including two each
by Facer, Smith and right fielder BILLY FLAMION.
The Griffins travel to Pasadena on Friday (Feb. 22)
for a 2 p.m. start.
PCAC honors East County's best
© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (2-18-13) — The Pacific Coast
Athletic Conference has honored San Diego City
College baseball player Mark Vasquez as Male Athlete
of the Week for period ending Sunday (Feb. 17).
Vasquez, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound sophomore right-handed
pitcher from Grossmont High who played for the
Knights in 2011 and red-shirted last season, threw
a complete-game 4-hit shutout as City defeated
Arizona Western 4-0 to split a doubleheader.
He pitched the Knights to their first victory
of the season as he struck out 8 in a 7-inning
game.
Among the honorable mention were two Grossmont
College athletes, basketball player ROBERT ROMERO
and baseball player KENDALL LINDLEY.
Romero, a 6-foot-5 freshman forward from Palm
Desert High, scored 20 points and grabbed six
rebounds as the PCAC co-leading Griffns downed
San Diego City 61-58. He came back with 15 points
and five rebounds in a 62-48 win vs. Southwestern.
Lindley, a freshman left-handed pitcher from
Francis Parker High, scattered eight hits over
eight innings, striking out six, to advance Grossmont
(6-3 overall) past East Los Angeles, 6-2.
|
G-House splits pair with Huskies
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-16-13) — Grossmont College split a
non-conference doubleheader against East Los Angeles
College by the identical scores of 6-2.
The Griffins dropped the opener in 12 innings in a
3 hour, 44 minute marathon. Seven Griffin pitchers paraded
to the mound.
In the nightcap the Griffins pitching was much more
tidy as KENDALL LINDLEY scattered 8 hits, walked none
and struck out 6 over eight frames to pick up his second
win in as many decisions.
JORDAN KUNZ pitched a scoreless 9th to complete the
job.
The Griffins (6-3) actually snapped a 3-game losing
streak behind Lindley, scoring five times in the 4th
inning against the Huskies (3-4).
KEVIN FERREIRA supplied the clutch hit with a 2-run
single down the left field line. BILLY FLAMION, BRADEN
PETERS and KACY SMITH each drove in a run in the pivotal
frame.
Peters, Ferreira, JESSE JENNER and DYLAN GARCIA contributed
2 hits apiece to Grossmont’s 12 hit attack.
Garcia also had 3 hits and the only RBI in the opener.
JAVIER GONZALEZ chipped in a pair of singles in the
Grossmont loss.
Next up for Grossmont is a non-conference contest against
Fullerton on Thursday (Feb. 21) at Noel Mickelsen Field
at 2 p.m.
Griffins suddenly running uphill
By Mark Meadows
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-14-13) — A day after they absorbed
their first loss of the season, Grossmont College was
looking to get back to its winning ways Wednesday (Feb
13) at Noel Mickelsen Field.
Long Beach City College were in no mood to accommodate
Grossmont's wishes. Six Vikings hitters had multiple
hitsm ripping Griffins pitching for 14 hits en route
to a 13-3 verdict.
Grossmont pitcher SHANE COLEMAN breezed through the
first three innings, giving up only a bunt single to
the visiting Vikings (3-2).
But things unraveled quickly in the 4th. Five hits
and an error led to a 5-0 lead and the Vikings would
never look back. They put up two more runs in the 6th,
three in the 7th and three in the 8th.
Grossmont (5-2) finally got on the board in the 5th
inning. Consecutive hits by KYLE HOLDER, KACY SMITH
and JAVIER GONZALEZ produced a run. CURREN FACER tacked
on a sacrifice fly for a second run. The Griffins final
tally of the game came on an RBI single by BRIAN LOCKEY
in the 8th.
One should look no further than the lack of quality
pitches by the Grossmont pitching staff. Although they
issued only one walk on the day, Griffins hurlers gave
up an astounding 6 first-pitch hits. Just as damaging
were the 4 hits they allowed with counts of 0-1 or 0-2.
This was a stat certainly not lost on coach RANDY ABSHIER.
"First pitch strikes are great," Abshier
said. "But you can't just groove a pitch to try
and get ahead."
"We need to improve on our 'out' pitches. When
we do get ahead, we have to shut the door."
Abshier wasn't much happier with his hitters, defense
or baserunning.
"We have to learn to play the right way,"
he added. "Too many freebies. Walks, hit by pitch,
errors, extra bases, undisciplined approaches at the
plate. We have a talented bunch of young men on this
squad, but there is plenty of work to do."
There were some high notes in Grossmont land. Freshman
shortstop KYLE HOLDER extended his hitting streak to
seven games. Lockey had two hits and a walk with an
RBI.
The Griffins still have a chance to salvage a tough
week. They host a doubleheader on Friday (Feb 15) when
East Los Angeles visits Noel Mickelsen Field with ballgames
at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Griffins streak ends on the road
© East County Sports.com
HEMET (2-13-13) — Grossmont College made its first
road trip of the season on Tuesday (Feb. 12) and came
home with its first loss in six games.
Host Mt. San Jacinto (3-3), which dropped an 8-2 decision
to the Griffins last week, snapped a 1-1 tie with two
runs in the fifth inning and continued on to a 6-2 victory
in the rematch.
Grossmont hammered out 11 hits – including two
doubles by BRADEN PETERS – but stranded eight base
runners. KACY SMITH stroked RBI singles in the 5th and
9th innings.
CURREN FACER also had two hits for Grossmont. BRIAN
LOCKEY doubled and scored.
Four Grossmont errors led to three unearned runs.
The Griffins host Long Beach City Wednesday (Feb. 13)
at 2 p.m.
Griffins whisk the Wildcats, off to best start in Abshier
era
By Mark Meadows
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-10-13) — At 5-0 and off to their best
start since 2009, head coach RANDY ABSHIER'S Grossmont
College Griffins looked to continue their early season
magic Saturday (Feb. 9) at Noel Mickelsen Field. They
probably received more worry from the threatening weather
than visiting West Los Angeles College.
It took only four innings for the Griffins to remove
any doubt to the latest outcome as they pounded put
a 15-4 verdict over the Wildcats from Culver City.
The score was only 4-2 after 3 innings before Grossmont
College took advantage of some Wildcat generosity. Five
walks, a hit batter, and an error combined with two
infield hits led to a seven run outburst that put this
one away.
The biggest question was whether or not freshman pitcher
KENDALL LINDLEY would return for a 5th inning. Lindley
had spent a significant amount of time on the bench
during the big Grossmont inning and the outcome seemed
decided. However, he needed to complete 5 innings for
the win.
Lindley indeed came out for the 5th. The Francis Parker
alum needed only 11 pitches to finish the 5th and record
his first win. Lindley scattered 7 hits over 5 innings
with 5 strikeouts and just 2 earned runs. He now has
17 strikeouts in 11 innings.
Pitchers CHRISTOPHER ROSA, CAMERON HOWELL, JORDAN KUNZ
and JAYLEN FLEER pitched an inning each in relief of
Lindley and allowed only one run over the 4 remaining
innings.
“I struggled with command a little, but I felt
strong,” Lindley said. “I really wanted to
go out for that 5th inning. Not for me personally, but
to show the team and the coaches that they can count
on me. I feel I could have gone longer if the team needed
it."
Grossmont's 12 hit attack was led by freshmen CURREN
FACER and JOVANI REYNOSO. Each had 2 hits for the Griffins.
The lone extra base hit came off the bat of DYLAN GARCIA,
a booming double to right. Garcia also finished with
3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Sophomore third baseman BRADEN
PETERS paced the Griffins with 3 runs scored. Freshman
shortstop KYLE HOLDER also extended his early season
hitting streak to 5 games.
While obviously happy with results in the first five
games, Abshier cautioned against getting overconfident
going forward.
“Tournaments and non-conference results aren't
necessarily an indication of what will happen in league,”
he said. “Our conference is much too tough to make
any
predictions or assumptions at this point.”
The Griffins still have over two weeks until the Pacific
Coast Athletic Conference kicks off on Tuesday (Feb.
26), still some eyebrows are starting to rise and take
notice of what's going on in the East County.
Grossmont plays its first road game of the campaign
on Tuesday (Feb. 12) against Mt. San Jacinto at
2 p.m.
Griffins remain perfect at 4-0
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-8-13) — It appears only the rain can
stop the Grossmont College baseball team this season,
or at least that’s been the case so far following
an 8-2 victory over Mt. San Jacinto on Thursday (Feb.
8) at Noel Mickelsen Field. The win raises the Griffins
record to 4-0.
Grossmont is scheduled to host West Los Angeles College
Friday (Feb. 8) at 2 p.m. and then Cerro Coso College
on Saturday at 10 a.m.
However, rain is predicted for this weekend so those
games are subject to postponement, which could be detrimental
to the Griffins’ momentum.
For one of the few times this year. the Griffins had
to come from behind to knock off Mt. San Jacinto
. They tied the game 2-2 with a pair of runs in the
bottom of the 4th inning on RBI singles by JAVIER GONZALEZ
(El Capitan) and KYLE HOLDER (University City).
Grossmont broke the game open with six runs in the
bottom of the 8th. Holder had a 2-run single to key
the inning. KACY SMITH (Helix) paced Grossmont’s
all single attack with a 3-for-5 effort. He drove in
a run and scored one.
Once again the Griffins’ bullpen came up big.
SHANE COLEMAN (El Capitan) pitched three shutout innings
of one-hit relief. RANDY WYNNE (Cathedral Catholic)
and BILLY FLAMION (Modesto Christian) each pitched a
scoreless inning, with Wynne being awarded the victory.
Griffins playing 'Three' and easy
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-6-13) — So far it’s been a season
of threes for the Grossmont College baseball team. The
Griffins posted their third win is as many starts Tuesday
(Feb. 5) by pounding visiting Pasadena, 11-4, in a non-conference
game at Noel Mickelsen Field.
In its promising start, the Griffins have knocked out
33 hits for a .333 team batting average. They clubbed
a season-best 13 hits off the Lancers (1-2).
CURREN FACER drove in five runs with a single, double
and triple in four at-bats. In three games Facer, Grossmont’s
left-fielder, is 5-for-11 (.455).
JESSE JENNER also had three hits including a double
as he drove in two runs for the Griffins while hoisting
his batting average to .455.
Designated hitter DYLAN GARCIA scored four runs and
drove in a pair in Grossmont’s latest conquest.
ZACH AMBROSE, who was a catcher at Grossmont High School,
spun 3 1/3 hitless innings as he chalked up his second
win in relief.
The Griffins built up a 5-0 lead after two innings
but saw Pasadena cut the advantage to 5-4 in the 4th
inning. Ambrose, as well as relievers RANDY WYNNE and
JORDAN KUNZ, did not allow a Pasadena hit over the final
5 1/3 innings.
Notes: The Griffins (3-0) are off to their second-best
start since RANDY ABSHIER took over as head coach in
2005; they opened 5-0 in 2009... Grossmont will host
Mt. San Jacinto on Thursday (Feb. 7) at 2 p.m.
The visiting Eagles will join the Pacific Coast Athletic
Conference next season.
Lefty Lindley claims PCAC weekly award
Most Ks by GC pitcher since O'Sullivan
© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (2-5-13) — Grossmont College pitcher
KENDALL LINDLEY, a left-hander out of Francis Parker
High, has been named one of the Pacific Coast Athletic
Conference male athletes of the week. The award covers
the week ending Sunday (Feb. 3).
Lindley allowed just five hits and a pair of runs in
a season-opening 4-3 victory over Victor Valley .
Over his six innings of work, the freshman struck out
12 batters, the most by a Griffins pitcher since Mar.
3, 2006, when SEAN O'SULLIVAN recorded 11 strikeouts
over seven innings in a 2-1 PCAC victory over Palomar.
O'Sullivan currently is a property of the San Diego
Padres.
Lindley shared the award with Southwestern College
pitcher Kiki Medina.
Honorable mention went to Grossmont basketball player
Martin Meza, a 6-foot-0 freshman guard from Eastlake
High School.
Meza enabled Grossmont, which is tied with Palomar
for the PCAC lead, to knock MiraCosta out of what was
a three-way deadlock with his floor play and ball-handling
as the Griffins won 83-75.
Kacy at the bat
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-3-13) — Center fielder KACY SMITH,
a freshman out of Helix High, pounded a double and a
pair of singles Saturday (Feb. 2) as Grossmont College
clubbed visiting Chaffey, 10-1, in a non-conference
game at Noel Mickelsen Field.
For the second game in a row, Granite Hills product
DYLAN GARCIA stroked a pair of hits to raise his Pacific
Coast Athletic Conference batting average to .571. CURREN
FACER (El Capitan) and JESSE JENNER (Steele Canyon)
drove in two runs apiece for Grossmont.
The Griffins (2-0) put the Panthers (0-2) on ice by
scoring five runs in the 5th inning to lead 7-1.
Four Grossmont pitchers combined to spin a 6-hitter
and striking out 10.
Next up for the Griffins is a home game Tuesday (Feb.
5) against Pasadena at 2 p.m.
Griffins' Facer delivers walk-off winner
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-2-13) — CURREN FACER stroked a bases-loaded
single up the middle with nobody out in the bottom of
the 9th inning in Friday’s (Feb. 1) season opener
won by the host Grossmont College Griffins, 4-3 over Victor
Valley.
KENDALL LINDLEY, a freshman southpaw out of Francis Parker,
struck out 14 during a seven inning stint for the Griffins.
Grossmont will host Chaffey Saturday (Feb. 2) at Noel
Mickelsen Field at 11 a.m.
No other information was reported.
Griffins re-load after losing All-American Seidel
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-31-13) — Grossmont College has a shot
at a promising start as the Griffins play their first
six games at home and nine of their opening 10 at the
friendly confines of Noel Mickelsen Field.
The first pitch will be Friday (Feb. 1) against Victor
Valley at 2 p.m.
It’s hard to figure just how good a team at this
level will be because the faces change so frequently.
The Griffins were 16-19 overall and 12-13 in the Pacific
Coast Athletic Conference last year. They do not return
a single all-conference player from a year ago.
Maybe that’s good; maybe that’s bad. One
thing for sure is the Griffins lost PCAC Player of the
Year DALLAS SEIDEL, who captured the rare Triple Crown
with a .401 average, 5 home runs and 39 RBI. He was
named a JC All-American.
So much for the past.
This should be a solid hitting Grossmont College team
this season, led by sophomore catcher JESSE JENNER,
a transfer from Cal State Fullerton (Steele Canyon)
and outfielder KACY SMITH (Helix), a three-time first
team selection for All-East County and Grossmont Hills
League as well as earning All-SDCIF honors as a junior
and senior.
Smith, who will probably patrol center field, compiled
a combined batting average of over .400 with surprising
power (7 home runs) over the past two seasons However,
when you think of him you think of base stealing rather
than home run hitting.
One of the surprising hitters during winter ball was
El Capitan outfielder CURREN FACER (6-foot-3, 220).
“He’s really become a great hitter,”
said Griffins coach RANDY ABSHIER.
Infielder DYLAN GARCIA (Granite Hills) transferred
from San Diego City College to Grossmont and should
make an immediate impact. Bonita Vista product BRIAN
LOCKEY was a catcher a year ago but now will play in
the infield.
The pitching staff, which is always the ticket to the
title, will be on the green side. One of the top newcomers
is El Capitan product SHANE COLEMAN, a 6-2, 230 pound
left-hander who posted an 8-2 record with a 1.98 ERA
last year.
Another southpaw that could figure in the Griffins’
plans is West Hills alum CAMERON HOWELL, who posted
a 4-4 record with a 2.77 ERA in his final high school
season.
The Grossmont staff is not short of left-handers on
the mound. KENDALL LINDLEY of Francis Parker could be
a stealth find.
From the right side of the bump BRIAN ASHWILL, a Santana
graduate, posted a 4-4 record with a 2.03 ERA. Not to
be overlooked is the fact that he batted .420.
BRANDON MEDIN posted a 4-3 record with four complete
games and a 2.20 ERA for Del Norte last season.
At this level baseball is filled with surprises and
this season should be no different.
Grossmont
College 'Griffins'
2013 Baseball Roster
|
| No. |
Name |
Pos
|
Ht
|
Wt
|
B/T
|
High School |
|
1
3
4
5
6
|
Javier Gonzalez
Kevin Ferreira
Paul Caudillo
Brandon Peters
Nathaniel Huff |
INF
C
OF
INF
OF
|
6-1
5-10
5-9
6-0
5-9
|
175
175
155
195
145
|
R/R
R/R
R/R
R/R
R/R
|
El Capitan
Santana
Scripps Ranch
Tesoro
El Capitan |
|
7
8
9
10
11
|
Billy Flamion
Kacy Smith
Richard Ledford
Austin Seidel
Thomas Braud |
OF
OF
LHP
RHP
RHP
|
6-1
5-10
5-8
6-2
6-1
|
195
185
145
200
190
|
L/L
L/R
L/L
R/R
R/R
|
Modesto Christian
Helix
Morse
Santana
Olympian |
|
14
15
16
17
18
|
Cameron Howell
Jesse Jenner
Brian Lockey
Jaylen Fleer
Brian Ashwill |
LHP
C
INF
RHP
RHP
|
6-2
6-1
6-1
6-4
6-3
|
180
205
215
200
220
|
L/L
R/R
R/R
R/R
R/R
|
West Hills
Steele Canyon
Bonita Vista
Santana
Santana |
|
19
20
22
23
24
|
Christopher Rosa
Randy Wynne
Kyle Holder
Curren Facer
Kendall Lindley |
RHP
RHP
INF
OF
LHP
|
6-0
6-2
6-1
6-3
5-9
|
189
180
180
220
160
|
R/R
R/R
L/R
R/R
L/L
|
Patrick Henry
Cathedral Catholic
University City
El Capitan
Francis Parker |
|
25
28
31
32
33
|
Jordan Kunz
Dylan Garcia
Brandon Medin
Adam Anawall
Zach Ambrose |
LHP
INF
RHP
RHP
RHP
|
5-10
5-11
6-1
6-3
6-0
|
160
200
200
210
220
|
L/L
L/R
R/R
R/R
R/R
|
West Hills
Granite Hills
Del Norte
San Clemente
Grossmont |
|
34
36
|
Shane Coleman
Jovani Reynoso |
LHP
INF
|
6-2
6-2
|
230
225
|
L/L
R/R
|
El Capitan
Montgomery |
|
|
