Sophomores Shine as Citrus Defeats West LA 14-1 in Home Finale

No. 9 ranked Citrus College Baseball defeated West Los Angeles College 14-1 in game two of the three-game conference series on Thursday, April 23, in the Owls' final regular season home game, marking Sophomore Day. The win puts Citrus at 29-10 overall and 16-4 in conference.

Citrus used a fast start and consistent production at the plate to secure the victory, backed by a dominant performance on the mound.

The Owls took control early, getting production from their sophomore hitters and scoring four runs in the first inning behind RBI singles from Jordan Daniels and Cam Casado, a run-scoring fielder's choice from Dominic Torrez, and an RBI triple from Lance Armijo.

Citrus added four more runs in the second inning to extend its lead to 8-0. Daniels delivered another RBI single, Torrez followed with a run-scoring hit, and Armijo came through again with a two-run single.

After a few quiet innings, Citrus broke through in the fifth when sophomore infielder Derek Almeda launched a two-run home run to make it 10-0. Citrus continued to add on in the sixth as Isaac Nava hit a three-run home run to extend the lead to 13-1. The Owls capped the scoring in the eighth inning on an RBI double from Royce Mendoza.

Citrus finished with 19 hits, led by Almeda's 3-for-4 performance with a home run and two RBIs. Daniels also went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Nava added two hits, including a three-run homer—his first of the season—and scored three times. Armijo drove in a team-high three runs, finishing 2-for-4 with a triple, and Torrez added two hits and two RBIs.

Casado reached base three times, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and a walk, as the Owls combined extra-base power with consistent contact, striking out just twice.

On the mound, Sophomore right-hander Conner Luetto (W, 5-1) earned the win with a strong six-inning outing, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out eight without issuing a walk. On the season, Luetto holds a 3.99 ERA with a 10.29 K/9 and a 1.10 WHIP.

Julian Hines closed out the game, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing five hits and striking out two. Citrus pitching combined to allow just one run on seven hits while striking out 10 and did not issue a walk, keeping the Wildcats in check throughout.

Citrus will travel to West LA for game three, thier final regular season game on Friday, April 24 with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.