Chargers Deny Dons a Late Rally for the Victory

Cypress, CA -- The Chargers squared off against Santa Ana at home on Thursday and came away with a 5-4 victory after escaping from a 2-run 9th inning rally by the Dons. 

The Dons opened up the scoring in the top of the first inning and even loaded the bases for a few more runs before the Chargers got the third and final out to keep the score at 1-0 Santa Ana.

The Dons then added a run off a towering homer over the left field wall by Cesar Serna to put them up 2-0.

In the bottom of the third with two outs, Joe Duffin hit a single that drove in Matt Tietz. On the play, Duffin reached third base on an error by the Dons left fielder. Brandon Oliver then singled to bring Duffin home and tie the game at 2-2. 

In the bottom of the fifth with one out, Duffin hit a towering home run of his own over the left field wall to give the Chargers the lead, 3-2. Oliver then reached second on a double and was then brought home by a Kramer Ferrell double. Trevor Meleski then singled to center field which drove in Ferrell from second to increase the Charger lead to 5-2.

The Dons wouldn't go without a fight and in the 9th mounted a 2-run rally that tested the Chargers, but ultimately didn't break them, and they came away with a 5-4 victory. 

Steven Kane got the start and the win for the Chargers. He pitched seven innings and threw four strikeouts. He was replaced in the 8th by Matt Esparza who is credited with the save in two innings of work. 

The Chargers now improve to 12-8 overall and 3-4 in conference play. 

Up next, they will host Golden West at home this Tuesday (3/18) at 2pm.