College of Marin had plenty of chances, but failed to capitalize against Sierra College in their season opener. The Mariners had the bases loaded in the sixth and seventh innings but could not bring home enough runs to rally past the visiting Sierra College Wolverines on Friday evening in Oakland. Marin played as the home team at Laney College, but despite familiarity of the surroundings it was not enough to help deliver the opening game victory.
The Mariners trailed 2-0 in the bottom of the six and managed to load the bases with only one away. Randy Fernandez singled to lead off and went to second on a wild pitch. An error put runners on the corners and a single by Landen Moran loaded the bases with Conor Bardue at the plate. He hit a chopper on the infield that forced Jacob Berg at third. In the commotion, Fernandez tried to score but was gunned down at home, ending the inning and the Mariners' threat.
After a scoreless top of the seventh, Marin threatened again as Matthew Lozovoy walked to leadoff. Davis Barkocy followed with a double, and with one away Will Langan walked to load the bases. Fernandez followed and was hit by a pitch to drive in a run and make the score 2-1 Sierra, but pinch hitter Casey Armusewicz struck out with one away and Jacob Berg struck out as well to end the inning.
Sierra scored single runs in the eighth and ninth to extend their advantage to 4-1. The Mariners put runners on in the eighth and ninth innings but could not get any closer as they fell by three runs to the visitors.
Nick Roth started the game and allowed a run in the second on back to back doubles and another in the fourth on a fielder's choice. He pitched five innings and recorded seven strikeouts with a walk and four hits in addition to two earned runs. Cody McGunagle pitched 2.1 innings, and allowed an unearned run in the eighth. Ryan Moyer recorded the final five outs of the game, allowing a run of his own in the ninth.
Offensively the Mariners were limited to five hits and just one run while squandering a number of opportunities. Seven of the final nine outs at the plate for Marin were strikeouts as players pressed as the game progressed. Anthony Pomilia was the only Mariner with multiple hits, going two for four in his debut.
Coach Steve Berringer was insightful on his team's first game of the year, "outside of the result of the game I thought we played well and had multiple opportunities to score late to tie or even win the game…The season is underway and almost everyone has had an opportunity to play which is great for a young team. We will build on this experience and away to win some games late."
The Mariners have a quick chance for redemption as they host Reedley College at Laney on Saturday, January 26th.