Continuing their slump, the Cerritos College baseball team lost their fourth close game in a row, this one a 2-1, 11-inning South Coast Conference decision against El Camino College. All four of the losses have been by two or fewer runs, with two of them coming in extra innings. The Falcons will look to break that slump on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. against the Warriors at Kincaid Field.
Leading 1-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, sophomore Carlos Valle (Bell Gardens HS) gave up a one-out single and was replaced by sophomore Edgar Velasquez (Montebello HS). After striking out Jose Ruiz, Velasquez allowed a run-scoring single to Jerry Granillo, which tied the game. Sophomore Gilbert Romero (Alhambra HS) tossed the first seven innings and allowed three hits while striking out eight.
Cerritos looked to regain the lead in the top of the 10th inning when sophomore outfielder Rollie Nichols (Serra HS) led off with a double and then was advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt from sophomore shortstop Ramon Bramasco (Cathedral HS). Sophomore second baseman Jesus Mercado (St. John Bosco HS) drew a walk, but both Michael Gonzalez (St. Bernard HS) and Andre Alvarez (Walnut HS) struck out to end the threat. In the bottom of the stanza, Velasquez got into trouble, but an inning-ending double play extended the game.
After going down in order in the top of the 11th inning, the Falcons saw Ruiz double with one out and then came home on a base hit through the left side by Spencer Long off Velasquez (2-2), who took the loss.
The Falcons scored their lone run in the top of the first inning when sophomore third baseman Jorge Rodriguez (Bellflower HS) and Nichols led off the game with consecutive walks. Bramasco advanced both runners before Mercado hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Rodriguez.