Comets rally in ninth to defeat San Diego City 8-6, move to 5-0 in PCAC

SAN DIEGO, CA (3/7/2026) -- Palomar College scored twice in the top of the ninth inning to take the lead for good, defeating San Diego City College 8-6 on Saturday at Morley Field. The Comets improved to 15-3 overall and 5-0 in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference. San Diego City fell to 9-9 and 2-3 in the PCAC.

Palomar trailed or was tied for much of the afternoon before putting together the decisive rally. With the score knotted at 6-6 heading into the ninth, the Comets pushed across two runs against closer Eli Montgomery to secure the victory. Joey Halter then retired the Knights in order in the bottom half to close it out and earn his third win of the season.

DC Ruth provided the biggest blow of the day, going 1-for-4 with two RBI. Elijah Stephens continued his hot stretch, reaching base three times on one hit and two walks while driving in a run and scoring twice. Justin Tucker added a sacrifice and an RBI, and Rainn McMillan chipped in with a triple, a run scored, and a walk. Jacob Loving and Gavin Kramer each contributed doubles, with Loving's extra-base hit part of a two-run eighth inning that helped Palomar tie the game before the decisive ninth.

Joey Navarro started and worked five innings, allowing four runs, two earned, on eight hits while striking out five. Dylan Berentis bridged the gap with 2.2 innings before Halter came on and slammed the door.

San Diego City's offense was led by Marcello Farjardo, who went 1-for-4 with two RBI, and Andres Johnson, who drove in a run and swiped a base. The Knights committed seven errors on the afternoon, which proved costly as Palomar capitalized throughout the game.

Palomar remains unbeaten in conference play and will host San Diego City College on Tuesday for a 1 p.m. first pitch at Palomar.