Chargers Lead Thrilling Comeback To Take 1st in Conference

CYPRESS, CA — In a battle for first place in the Orange Empire Conference, the Cypress College Chargers rallied late to secure an 8-7 victory over the Santa Ana College Dons on Thursday afternoon.

Cypress racked up 17 hits, including a game-winning two-run triple by Travis Curry in the bottom of the 8th inning. The comeback capped off a resilient effort by the Chargers, who overcame a two-run deficit in the final three innings.

The Dons jumped ahead early in the 4th inning after falling behind 2-0, scoring four runs, highlighted by a 2-RBI double from Nathaniel Williams and an RBI single by Sota Teshima, taking a 4-2 lead. But Cypress answered right back in the 5th when Luke Matlock crushed a 2-run home run over the right-field wall to tie the game at four.

Matlock continued to deliver, driving in his third RBI of the day with a clutch double in the 6th inning to give the Chargers a brief 5-4 lead. The Dons responded with a three-run 7th inning, led by Ken Tomitaka's 2-RBI single, regaining a 7-5 advantage.

But the Chargers refused to go away quietly. A bases-loaded single by Evan Rolbiecki in the 7th closed the gap to 7-6, setting the stage for the game-winning rally.

In the 8th, with two runners on, Curry smoked a triple to center field, scoring Braden Ruiz and Dustin Robinson, giving Cypress the 8-7 edge.

On the mound, Douglas Crystal (1-0) earned the win, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings in relief and escaping a late jam in the 9th to seal the victory. Starter Brandon Wyland went six solid innings, giving up four runs on six hits with three strikeouts.

Offensively, Rolbiecki led the way with a 3-for-4 day, scoring twice and driving in a run. Matlock finished with 3 RBIs, and Nate Norman added three hits for the Chargers. Cypress had five extra-base hits, including a homer, a triple, and three doubles.

With the win, Cypress secures sole possession of first place in the OEC standings, continuing a strong run in conference play.

Up Next: The Chargers finish the series against Santa Ana College tomorrow on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

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