Chargers Pull Off Two-Game Sweep of Merced in the 10th

Cypress, CA. -- The Chargers record now stands at 8-2 after a two game sweep over the visiting Merced College Blue Devils. Yesterday, after a seven-run first inning the Chargers won handily 14-5, but the today Merced pushed the game into extra innings before the Chargers were able to finish them off, 3-2.

The first run of the day for the Chargers came in the bottom of the 2nd when Grant Mayeaux scored off a Jonny Miller RBI. Brett Finnicle then scored in the bottom of the 4th off a Brandon Morones RBI that put the Chargers ahead 2-0 after the 4th. 

Merced then scored a run in the top of the 5th and one more in the top of the 6th to tie the game up at 2-2. Nathan Kuchta was then brought in to relieve the Chargers starting pitcher Matt Esparza who pitched 5 1/3 innings with four strikeouts.

The game remained tied at 2-2 after the 9th and in the top of the 10th the Chargers held tight on defense as only three Blue Devils came to the plate. Two were struck out by Kuchta and one was out at first on a grounder. 

In the bottom of the 10th Matt Tietz doubled to lead off. He then advandced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jack Flansburg. Merced then brought in a new pitcher, Brent Backlund, to pitch to Tyler Gnesda. Gnesda hit a single into centerfield which scored Tietz and the game went to the Chargers, 3-2.

Kuchta got the win for the Chargers. He pitched six strikouts and held Merced without a run in his 5 2/3 innings pitched. 

The Chargers remain at home this next week to face El Camino on Tuesday (2/18) at 2pm.