Falcons Explode for 15 in Series-Ending Win at Palomar
The Folsom Lake College Falcons closed out a challenging three-game road series in emphatic fashion, rebounding from back-to-back losses to defeat the Palomar College Comets 15–5 on Saturday afternoon. The decisive finale showcased the Falcons' offensive depth, patience at the plate, and steady pitching.
Game 1 – Palomar 10, Folsom Lake 5 (Feb. 12)
Folsom Lake struck first in the series opener, jumping out to a 4–0 lead behind solo home runs from Jace Bystrowski and Asa Martinez, followed by an RBI double from John Handy. The Falcons added another run in the fourth on an RBI single by Trajan Rogowski, but Palomar responded with a big middle innings surge.
Despite 11 hits—including multi-hit performances from Rogowski, Connor Barth, and Handy—the Falcons couldn't slow Palomar's offense, which capitalized on timely hits and defensive miscues to pull away late.
Game 2 – Palomar 14, Folsom Lake 8 (Feb. 13)
Friday's contest turned into an offensive shootout, highlighted by a decisive eight-run third inning from the Comets. Folsom Lake battled throughout, finishing with 14 hits and three home runs from Connor Barth, John Handy, and Asa Martinez.
Barth delivered a three-run homer in the eighth inning to cap a strong individual performance, while Rogowski drove in two runs and added a stolen base. Despite the late push, Palomar's early offensive burst proved too much to overcome.
Game 3 – Folsom Lake 15, Palomar 5 (Feb. 14)
The Falcons saved their best for last.
Folsom Lake erupted for 14 hits and 15 runs, breaking the game open with a six-run fourth inning and a five-run fifth to seize full control. Trajan Rogowski was sensational, going 4-for-4 with four RBIs, four runs scored, three walks, and a stolen base, setting the tone at the top of the lineup.
John Handy added four RBIs, George Shykowski drove in three, and Dylan Green chipped in two more as the Falcons showed discipline and depth throughout the order, drawing 13 walks on the day.
On the mound, Gavin McLendon and Andrew Balentine delivered steady performances, combining for eight innings and limiting Palomar to just four earned runs before the bullpen closed it out.
Series Takeaway
The series tested the Falcons early, but Saturday's dominant win highlighted their resilience and offensive firepower. With multiple players stepping up across the weekend, Folsom Lake leaves Palomar with momentum and confidence heading into the next stretch of the season.