Comets rally from behind to sweep Mesa, improve to 13-0 in PCAC

SAN MARCOS, CA (3/28/2026) -- San Diego Mesa jumped out to an early lead and gave the No. 5 Palomar College Comets everything they wanted Saturday afternoon. Palomar answered anyway, rallying for eight runs and completing a three-game sweep with an 8-7 victory at Bob Vetter Field to move to 24-3 overall and 13-0 in the PCAC.

The Olympians struck for four in the third to take a 6-4 lead, but the Comets chipped away and took control for good with a pair of runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh. Gavin Malcomson came off the bench to pinch hit in the seventh, singled, and scored on a groundout by Michael Rodda. Elijah Stephens followed with a run-scoring double, and Preston Conklin plated him with a single to give Palomar the lead it would not relinquish.

Stephens was the offensive standout, going 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, and two RBI. DC Ruth went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base, Rainn McMillan tripled and drove in a run, and Rodda knocked in two despite going hitless. Gavin Kramer also had a productive afternoon, finishing 2-for-5 with an RBI.

The pitching staff worked through a rocky start from Joey Navarro, who allowed six runs in three innings, and found its footing in the middle innings. Dylan Berentis was the stopper, tossing 3.1 scoreless frames to earn his fourth win of the season. Joey Halter closed the door with a perfect ninth for his third save.

Mesa fell to the sweep despite a gutsy effort, with Ian Pollard driving in two and Jr. Gonzales adding another RBI for the Olympians.

The Comets return to Bob Vetter Field Tuesday to open a three-game series against Southwestern College, with first pitch at 2 p.m.