Comets Explode for 15 Hits, Improve to 3-0 in PCAC with 9-4 Win at Southwestern

CHULA VISTA, CA (3/3/2026) -- Palomar College pounded out 15 hits and received a strong collective effort from its pitching staff to defeat Southwestern College 9-4 on Tuesday afternoon at The Junction. The Comets improved to 13-3 overall and 3-0 in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play, while Southwestern dropped to 8-9 and 0-3 in the PCAC.

Gavin Kramer set the tone from the leadoff spot, finishing 3-for-4 with two walks and three runs scored. His on-base presence was a constant thorn in Southwestern's side all afternoon, as the Comets put up four runs in the first inning and never looked back.

Jacob Loving drove in three runs to pace the Palomar offense, going 1-for-5 with a double and three stolen base attempts that kept Southwestern's defense on edge. Justin Tucker was equally productive, collecting three hits and two RBI while swiping a base. Elijah Stephens went 3-for-6 with an RBI to give Palomar three players with multi-hit performances, and Michael Rodda added two hits and an RBI to continue his strong stretch of play.

Palomar sent ten batters to the plate in a four-run first inning against Southwestern starter Gavin Daley, who allowed eight hits and five runs over three innings before giving way to the bullpen. Adam Brabandt was touched for three more runs in the fourth as the Comets extended their advantage to 8-1. Josh Crane steadied things for the hosts, tossing four scoreless innings in relief, but the damage had already been done.

On the mound, Palomar used six pitchers to navigate nine innings. Starter Jude Atley worked three innings, allowing two runs while striking out four. Jordan Green followed with two clean frames, retiring six of seven batters he faced to earn his second win of the season. Dylan Berentis continued his strong work out of the bullpen, throwing two more scoreless innings and allowing just one hit. Angel Barron and Elijah Stephens each contributed a scoreless inning down the stretch to close things out.

Southwestern's offense was led by Josh Hughes, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, and Andrew Guevara, who drove in a run on one of the Jaguars' six hits on the afternoon.

Palomar will look to complete the series sweep when the two teams meet again Thursday in the second game of the two-game set at Bob Vetter Field at 1 pm.