Chargers Open 2026 Season with 11–3 Victory Over Pasadena City

CYPRESS, CA — The Chargers opened the 2026 baseball season in impressive fashion, defeating the Pasadena City College Lancers 11–3 on Friday afternoon at Cypress College. A balanced offensive attack and dominant pitching performance propelled the Chargers to their first win of the year.

Cypress wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard, plating four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Derek Gonzales got the Chargers started with an RBI single, followed by a two-run single from John Short and an RBI triple from Travis Curry to give Cypress an early 4–0 lead.

The Chargers continued to add to their advantage throughout the game, scoring in six of the eight innings they batted. Short delivered a standout performance, finishing 3-for-5 with four RBIs, including an RBI single in the third and an RBI double in the fifth. Ben Keisler provided a major spark in the sixth inning, blasting a three-run home run to push the Chargers lead to 9–1.

Justin Tillar and Wyatt Joyce added RBI doubles in the seventh inning to cap off teams offensive surge. The Chargers finished the day with 15 hits, including seven extra-base hits.

On the mound, the Cypress pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts while limiting Pasadena City to three runs. Starter Rocky Palacio went four strong innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out four. Rohan Ramos earned the win in relief, tossing two scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Cole Ferreira, Daniel Villagomez, and Donald Murray closed out the contest, with Murray striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Offensively, Derek Gonzales led the Chargers with three runs scored, while Tyler Smith added two runs and two stolen bases. Travis Curry went 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI, and Keisler finished with two hits, three RBIs, and the lone home run of the game.

UP NEXT: The Chargers will host the LA Pierce Brahmas on Tuesday, January 27th at 1:30PM.

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