The Mt. SAC Mounties advanced in the State Finals with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Sierra College in a battle that lasted 11 innings.
Mt. SAC started the game with momentum, retiring Sierra College in order in the top of the first inning. They quickly capitalized in the bottom half, scoring two runs to take an early lead. However, the game turned into a defensive standoff, with neither team scoring again until the fourth inning.
In the top of the fourth Sierra College managed to tie the game after taking advantage of a defensive miscommunication between Mt. SAC pitcher Izeah Muniz (44) and catcher Cole Nachreiner. The error opened the door for Sierra to score two runs leveling the game at 2-2.
“Guys are nervous you don’t go to the state championships every year,” said Head Coach John Knott. “They were a little more aggressive than I have seen them, but guys are playing hard, and at this point are top talent.”
The tension continued to build as both teams struggled to break the deadlock. In the sixth inning, Mt. SAC found themselves with the bases loaded and only one out, but the opportunity slipped away after both Terrell Jackson (4) and Noah Rodriguez (12) struck out, failing to bring in any runs.
Pitching was dominant on both sides. Muniz (44) delivered an impressive outing for Mt. SAC, while Cam Staton of Sierra College matched his performance with equal intensity. Both defenses were making scoring opportunities rare and hard-fought.
The breakthrough came in the bottom of the eighth inning. Mt. SAC once again loaded the bases and this time they managed to capitalize. Rodriguez (12) earned a walk which forced in Diego Ortiz and gave the Mounties a 3-2 lead.
It seemed that lead would hold, as the Mounties were one out away from sealing the win in the top of the ninth. Sierra College had a runner on first base with two outs and Colin Gallagher down to his final strike. But Gallagher came through in the clutch, sending a hit down the right field line to drive in Aidan Bulbeck and tie the game at 3-3, stunning the home crowd.
Both teams maintained their composure into extra innings, refusing to give in.
Finally at the bottom of the 11th Mt. SAC found the moment they needed. A base hit from Bryan Bradshaw(24) combined with a throwing error by Sierra College allowed Terrell Jackson (4) to race home for the walk-off win.
“We take what we can get, and these guys showed a lot of heart not giving in,” said Coach Knott. “We would much rather win like this than play incredible and lose by one run.”
In a thrilling 13-inning finale 2 days after, Mt. SAC secured its first baseball state championship since 1965 with an 8-5 win over West Valley College.
The victory capped a dream season for the Mounties, who showcased clutch hitting, resilient pitching, and all-around team effort with key performances included a game-tying home run by tournament MVP and Outfielder Landon White, late-inning heroics from Utility player Jackson Giacone and Infielder Ty Thomas and a shutdown closer save from RHP Izeah Muniz.
With the win, Mt. SAC completed a historic 45-6 season and climbed back to the top of California JUCO baseball after six decades with its victory in the 2025 3C2A Baseball State Championship.