As the scores went up, the opposing crowd quieted down when the Pierce College baseball team won both games in a doubleheader against the Moorpark Raiders in their field in Moorpark, Calif. on March 16, 2025. The Brahmas won the first game 3-2, and the second 5-1.
The first game against the Raiders started off tame and in favor of Moorpark, as they got a 2-1 lead after the fourth inning.
After two runs by infielder Ethan Granillo in the seventh inning and outfielder JJ Torrente in the eighth, the brahmas took the lead and won the game with a score of 3-2.
As for the second game, the Brahmas showcased relentless defense against the Raiders, only allowing one run in the second inning, and holding them to zero for the rest of the match
The Pierce baseball team is turning things around this season. They finished off the 2023-2024 season with a 7-32 record, as well dropping all four games against Moorpark.
Freshman pitcher Brayden Briscoe is proud to be a part of this now winning team, and ready to keep it going with the Brahmas.
“I knew that they kind of struggled. So to be able to come in and really turn it around is a great feeling.” Briscoe said. “You know, the vibes are high, and we’re gonna try and keep running it.”
Head coach Bill Picketts said he is proud of coaching this team and is having fun doing it.
“It feels great winning.” Picketts said. “But I also have good kids, they play hard, and it makes it fun. It’s a much better feeling.”
It has not been easy for the Brahmas, as they have yet to play a game in their own field. All home games have been played at Los Angeles Valley College, due to the Joe Kelly Field having work done, according to Sports Information Specialists Jose Quevedo in an email.
With not being able to truly have home field advantage, the Brahmas has also played a number of doubleheaders this season, against Glendale Community College on Feb.15, Mt. San Jacinto on March 8 and now Moorpark.
Picketts acknowledged the difficulty of playing a doubleheader, and challenged his team the day before to get the result they hoped for.
“I challenged them yesterday at practice.” Picketts said. “I told them, I need you to show up on time and I need you to grind out for however long it takes.”
Now being on a three game winning streak, the Brahmas are ready to carry this momentum onto their next outing.
As long as Pierce plays as a team, they are confident to continue this winning streak, according to catcher Ethan Mercado.
“I don’t think anything needs to change. “ Mercado said. “I think as long as we keep playing together, play as a team, support each other and everything. We’re gonna keep having success.”
These win ups their win column on a now 13-8 record, 7-2 in conference. They will play Los Angeles Valley College next on March 18.
