Stephens fans 10, Comets erupt for seven in seventh to down City College 15-2

SAN MARCOS, CA (4/7/2026) -- Elijah Stephens set a new career high with 10 strikeouts Tuesday afternoon, and by the time the offense got rolling, there was nothing San Diego City College could do. The No. 2 Palomar College Comets defeated the Knights 15-2 at Bob Vetter Field to open the series, improving to 27-4 overall and 16-1 in the PCAC.

Stephens was dominant in his second career start, allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings and retiring batters at will. The performance set the tone for a game that was never in doubt, with Palomar building a steady lead before blowing it open with a seven-run seventh that turned a comfortable win into a statement one.

Jacob Loving was the offensive standout, going 2-for-4 with four RBI. Preston Conklin went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a double, Rainn McMillan finished 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI, and Michael Rodda went 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBI. DC Ruth added two hits and an RBI from the bottom of the order.

The seventh inning did most of the damage. Gavin Kramer doubled to lead off, AJ Klubeck singled him to third, and the floodgates opened from there. Justin Tucker drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run, Conklin doubled to plate three more, Loving singled in another, and McMillan capped the rally with a two-run home run to make it 15-2.

Jordan Green and Nate Moloney handled the final four innings in relief, with Green working three frames before Moloney closed it out.

San Diego City fell to 11-20 overall and 4-13 in the PCAC.

The two teams continue the series Thursday at Morley Field, with first pitch at 2 p.m.