The Long Beach City College men's baseball team defeated the Pasadena City College Lancers 5-3 in their second South Coast Conference game on Monday afternoon. With the win, the Vikings advance to 7-9 overall, and 1-1 in conference play.
Sophomore pitcher Matthew Johnson (2-0) earned his second win on the mound with only allowing three runs to the Lancers, while striking down six. Freshman pitcher Julio Lopez (0-1) then came in for his first save and only allowed one hit to Pasadena in the final two innings.
The Vikings got on the board in the bottom of the third inning with sophomore designated hitter David Balboa walked with the bases loaded to bring in sophomore second baseman Raul Gonzalez for the Vikings' first run.
Long Beach then came out swinging in the bottom of the fourth inning starting with freshman third baseman Noel Soto hitting an RBI single to right field to score in sophomore catcher Brett Wells. Freshman right fielder Zach Rivas was up next with a 2 RBI single to score in Soto and sophomore center fielder Chris Rubottom to extend the Vikings' lead. Balboa closed out the inning with an RBI double to left field to lead Pasadena 5-0.
In the top of the seventh, the Lancers answered back with a three-run rally, but the Vikings were quick to shut it down and close out the conference game with the 5-3 win.
The Long Beach City College baseball team will return to action on Tuesday, Mar. 5 at Chaffey College at 12 p.m. for their third South Coast Conference game.
