Lassen Takes Series From Shasta Behind Tough Pitching and Timely Offense

Game 1: Cougars Rally After Early Deficit to Win 5-3

Lassen College baseball showed toughness on the road April 3, battling back from an early 3-0 deficit to defeat Shasta 5-3. After Shasta scored three in the first inning, the Cougars responded with runs in the second, third, fourth, and sixth innings while playing clean, error-free baseball.

Mason Montoya got Lassen on the board with an RBI single in the second, then Sam Moore and Jackson Rosenthal delivered back-to-back run-scoring hits in the third to tie the game. Roque Serrano gave Lassen the lead with an RBI groundout in the fourth, and Hayden Pietras added an important insurance run with a sacrifice RBI in the sixth.

On the mound, Evan Rhoden settled in after the first inning and earned the win, throwing 5.2 innings with three strikeouts. Trent Bailey was excellent in relief, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings, before Caden Fowler came in and slammed the door with two strikeouts in the ninth to earn the save.

It was a complete team win for Lassen. The Cougars stole momentum back early, defended at a high level, turned double plays, and got contributions throughout the lineup to open the series with a strong road victory.

Game 2: Lassen Battles But Falls 6-1 at Home

Lassen had chances throughout the April 4 matchup with Shasta, collecting nine hits in a 6-1 loss in Susanville. The Cougars continued to put runners on base, but timely hits were hard to find as Shasta was able to escape key situations.

Kylan Kono led Lassen’s offense with a strong 3-for-5 day, while Jack Zimmerman went 2-for-4 and drove in the Cougars’ lone run in the seventh inning. Jackson Rosenthal, Caden Fowler, Damico Parker, and Roque Serrano also added hits as Lassen kept pressure on Shasta’s pitching staff.

Ben Lukens gave Lassen a competitive start, striking out five over 5.2 innings. Noah Kimura followed with four strikeouts in 2.1 innings, and Kawika Mendoza added another strikeout in the ninth. The Cougar staff combined for 10 strikeouts, showing plenty of swing-and-miss ability.

Even in the loss, Lassen showed fight and continued to create offensive opportunities. With nine hits and strong work from the pitching staff, the Cougars had positives to build from heading into the rubber match.

Game 3: Cougars Jump Ahead Early and Hold Off Shasta, 6-4

Lassen answered back in the series finale April 6 with a strong 6-4 win, using early offense and clutch late pitching to secure the series. The Cougars scored two runs in each of the first three innings, building a 6-2 lead and forcing Shasta to play from behind all afternoon.

Jack Zimmerman was outstanding at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Ethan Beede delivered a huge two-run single in the first inning, while Damico Parker added two hits, including an RBI triple. Mason Montoya reached three times, and Sam Moore and Spencer Truebenbach each drove in runs.

After Shasta pushed back, Kyson Goates took control of the game on the mound. Goates threw four scoreless innings in relief, allowing four hits while striking out six to earn the win. Caden Fowler and Trent Bailey helped bridge the early innings as Lassen’s staff struck out 10 Shasta hitters overall.

The win gave Lassen the series and showed the Cougars’ ability to respond under pressure. With Zimmerman, Beede, Parker, and Montoya producing offensively and Goates finishing strong on the mound, Lassen closed the weekend with the toughness and confidence of a team built for conference baseball.