Herrod, bullpen shut down Jaguars as Comets win 4-1 on the road, streak reaches 16

CHULA VISTA, CA (4/2/2026) -- Ryan Herrod was sharp, the bullpen was airtight, and the No. 2 Palomar College Comets picked up right where they left off. Herrod worked six strong innings Thursday afternoon at The Junction as Palomar defeated Southwestern College 4-1, extending its winning streak to 16 and improving to 26-3 overall and 15-0 in the PCAC.

Herrod improved to 6-0 on the season, allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven in another efficient outing. Angel Barron followed with two perfect innings, and Joey Halter closed it out in the ninth for his fourth save of the year. The trio combined to allow just one run on five hits — another strong showing from a bullpen that has been one of the team's most consistent strengths all season.

Palomar built its lead with a run in the first and three more in the third. DC Ruth doubled to lead off the third, Braedon Peterson-Cheek singled to move him to third, and Gavin Malcomson followed with a run-scoring single. Elijah Stephens and Preston Conklin each drove in a run to round out the frame and give the Comets all the cushion they would need.

Palomar finished with 14 hits but left 12 on base, meaning the final margin could have been even wider. Stephens, Michael Rodda, Justin Tucker, and Ruth each had multi-hit games.

Southwestern fell to 15-14 overall and 7-8 in the PCAC.

The Comets return home to Bob Vetter Field on Friday to wrap up the series against the Jaguars.