Defending state champion SAC opens season with a split vs. San Diego Mesa

CJ Brown gets ready to throw a pitch for Santa Ana College. (Photo courtesy SAC Sports Information).

Santa Ana College’s baseball team, coming off a state championship in 2023, opened the 2024 season splitting a doubleheader against San Diego Mesa.

The Dons opened the series losing 7-0, but in the second game earned a split with a 10-4 road victory Saturday.

In game one, SAC was limited to four hits and stranded six runners.

Jaxton Andeel took the loss after allowing four runs (two earned). CJ Brown had the best effort out of the bullpen, striking out three in three innings of scoreless relief.

Although it took some time, the Dons responded in game two with seven runs in the ninth inning to pull away for the win. 

With the score tied at 3-3, SAC took advantage of an Olympian error in the final inning to start its rally. 

SAC used three hits, a walk and a hit by pitch following the error to put the game out of reach and secure its first win of the season.

Sophomore Joey Iglesias got the win with four innings of work. He struck out three and gave up just one run. Freshman Jack Meek pitched the first four innings, striking out five while allowing just two runs (one earned) to come across the plate.

Carson Case and Kian Sanchez recorded two hits each and combined for three RBI.

Sophomores JImmy DeAnda, Michael Rocha and Matthew Dobson had a hit and an RBI each while Thomas Williams drew three walks and scored two runs.

Freshman second baseman Christian Altamirano added a hit and two RBI to help the Dons win. 

The Dons continue their season when they head North for the Reedley College Tiger Tournament Thursday through Sunday.

—Courtesy SAC Sports Information