Napa rallies in extra innings game

By Franz Henderson/Special to The Guardsman

In the first of a two-game preseason series against the Napa Valley College Storm on Feb. 13, the Rams blew a one-run lead in the 9th inning, losing 3-2 at Fairmont Field in Pacifica, City

College’s home field.

City College allowed Napa to strike first in the top of the second inning, when Napa sophomore Jerod Moreno singled to send freshman Ignacio Diaz in for the run.

The Rams answered in the bottom of the second after freshman Tramane Moore drove in sophomore Albert Talaroc, who got on base after being hit by a pitch.

Leading by one run, the Rams were able to keep Napa off the scoreboard for five innings, thanks to Rams ace, sophomore Tyler Scharnow.

Scharnow allowed one earned run and finished with four strikeouts.

With a one-run advantage, the Rams brought in sophomore Peter Casey in the eighth inning to close out the game.

Casey was able to hold Napa from scoring in the eighth inning and put the Rams in position to win it in the ninth.

That was until an error occurred at second base and allowed Napa’s Randy Keen to score an unearned run to tie the game in the ninth inning.

In the deciding moment of the game during the top of the 10th inning, sophomore Ryan Rudstro scored on an error made by the Rams and took their first lead since the second inning, 3-2.

Following the collapse, the Rams were unable to convert in the bottom of the inning.

Napa freshman JJ Harloff closed the game retiring three Rams batters in a row.

Scharnow believes that City College is still in the process of finding their “groove.”

“Errors just took us out of the game,” Scharnow said. “Going forward, execution is going to be key.”

City College (1-7) beat Napa Valley on Feb. 15 for their first preseason win.

The regular season for the Rams begins Feb. 25 at Mission College. First pitch is at 2 p.m.