Lassen Falls Short in Playoff Opener Against Marin

The Lassen College Cougars dropped the first game of their playoff series against College of Marin, falling 11–7 in a high-scoring contest on May 1. The game featured a strong offensive showing from both teams, but Marin used big innings in the middle frames to take control and hold off a late Lassen rally.

Lassen started hot, taking a 2–0 lead in the first and adding another run in the third thanks to a three-run homer by Mitchell Basterrechea. However, Marin answered with five runs in the fourth inning and four more in the fifth, capitalizing on walks, key hits, and a home run from Dante Caiati to swing momentum. The Cougars struggled to contain the surge and couldn’t recover in time.

Despite the deficit, Lassen continued to battle. Kylan Kono led the charge at the plate with two doubles and three runs scored. Basterrechea added three RBIs, and Ujyo Biles chipped in an RBI single. The Cougars totaled 11 hits on the day but left too many runners stranded as Marin’s bullpen closed the door.

On the mound, Lassen used five different pitchers, with Kyson Goates taking the loss after giving up five earned runs in just over three innings. Ben Johnson was effective in long relief, limiting the damage late. The Cougars will look to bounce back in game two, needing a win to extend the series