Chargers and Comets Even After Two Thrillers in Regional Finals Showdown
Chargers and Comets trade dramatic wins to force decisive Game 3 in 3C2A Regional Finals.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
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0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 2 |
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0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | X | 7 | 8 | 5 |
CYPRESS, CA – The Cypress College Chargers and Palomar College Comets are locked in a thrilling postseason battle in the 3C2A Baseball Southern California Regional Finals. Hosting the best-of-three series at home, the Chargers took Game 1 in walk-off fashion before falling short in a tense Game 2. The series is now tied 1-1 heading into a decisive Game 3 on Sunday, May 18 at 12 p.m.
GAME 1: Tillar's Walk-Off Delivers Opening Win for Cypress
Cypress 6, Palomar 5
May 16, 2025 – Cypress, CA
In front of a packed home crowd, the Chargers opened the series with a stunning walk-off victory, rallying for four runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Palomar 6-5.
Down 5-2 entering their final at-bat, Cypress sparked the comeback with a double from Zach Anderson and an RBI single from Bradley Navarro. With two outs and two runners on, freshman Justin Tillar delivered the decisive moment—smashing a hard-hit grounder to shortstop on a full count. The ball ricocheted off the shortstop's chest, allowing both runners to score and sending the Cypress dugout into celebration.
Tillar finished with 3 RBIs, while Travis Curry and Braden Ruiz each contributed three hits. On the mound, Andrew Banda picked up the win with 2.2 scoreless innings in relief.
GAME 2: Palomar Storms Back to Even the Series
Palomar 7, Cypress 6
May 17, 2025 – Cypress, CA
With a trip to the state tournament on the line, Cypress looked poised to sweep the series after building a 5-0 lead through six innings. But Palomar capitalized on Charger miscues and mounted a furious comeback, scoring five in the seventh and two more in the eighth to steal Game 2, 7-6.
Braden Ruiz led the Cypress offense with a home run and four RBIs, and Dustin Robinson added a double and an RBI. However, defensive errors in key moments proved costly for the Chargers, allowing Palomar to rally behind timely hits from TK Madera and Braedon Peterson-Cheek.
Despite the late-inning drama, Cypress stayed within striking distance, scoring once in the ninth. But the Comets closed the door to force a winner-take-all Game 3.
UP NEXT: Winner-Take-All Game 3
The Chargers and Comets will meet one final time to decide who advances to the 2025 3C2A Baseball State Championships. First pitch is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 at 12:00 p.m. at Cypress College.
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