Panthers Clinch Series in Epic 12-10 Extra-Inning Thriller Against Golden West

The Panthers are heading to the 2025 3C2A Super Regionals after a heart-stopping 12-10 extra-inning victory against Golden West College.  

The Panthers drew first blood in the opening frame. Ryder Young's sacrifice fly brought home Jordan Daniels, putting the Panthers up 1-0. Golden West quickly responded, leveling the score by the end of the first. 

In the second, the Panthers would regain the lead, scoring two more runs to make it 3-1. They added to their lead in the top of the 5th, with four additional runs to bring the score to 7-1. However, as they've done the entire game, the Rustlers would claw back with five runs of their own to narrow the gap to 7-6.

"Golden West is as talented a squad as I've seen in four years," stated Panthers Head Coach Andrew Smith. "They have incredible pitching and a dangerous lineup with 4-5 guys that can really drive the ball. We knew we'd have to play our best baseball to compete with them."

With the score knotted at 7-7, the game went into extra innings, adding to the drama. In the top of the 11th, Eric Valdivia singled to first, followed by AJ Hurtado being hit by a pitch, advancing both runners. Jayden Sanchez then walked, loading the bases. Up stepped Jordan Daniels, who delivered a Panther moment worthy of a Hollywood script—a grand slam that erupted the Panthers' dugout and gave them a 12-7 lead. 

The Rustlers managed to add three more runs, but it wasn't enough, securing the series victory for the Panthers.

"They understood the assignment and were playing hard. We just needed a timely hit or two. Derek gave us a spark in the 11th, and then what Jordan did after was incredible. Luetto did a great job battling for us when the offense was stalling for a while."

Adding an emotional layer to the victory, Smith revealed, "This goes so much deeper than most people realize. Jordan lost his six-year-old cousin on Thursday to a tragic accident. It was an emotionally overwhelming weekend for him, and for him to show up and compete for his guys the way he did was inspiring. The grand slam felt like a movie scene. Uncontainable emotion."

This victory propels the Panthers into the 2025 3C2A Super Regionals, which will be held in Walnut, California on Thursday, May 8. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.