From reports by LBCC’s Chris Ruiz

The Long Beach City College baseball team suffered a tough 4-3 South Coast Conference loss to visiting Mt. San Antonio College on Saturday at Joe Hicks Memorial Field.

The loss dropped Long Beach to 19-12 overall and 12-5 in the SCC. The Vikings could be out of first place in the SCC standings after today should second-place El Camino College (10-4 entering today) defeat Cerritos College this afternoon.

Long Beach rallied for two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth thanks to a two-run single by second baseman Trevor Costin, but couldn’t complete the comeback. Catcher Jonathan Keener flew out with runners on first and third base to end the ball game.

Freshman Blake Golding (5-2) picked up the loss despite a quality outing. He allowed eight hits and four runs (three earned) in 7 2/3 innings. Golding got off to a rocky start though, allowing three runs in the top of the first inning.

Costin (1 for 4) drove in all three runs for LBCC. He added a sacrifice fly that scored left fielder Matt Homstad in the third inning. Shortstop Hector Iribe went 4 for 5 to lead the Vikings at the plate.

Shane Youngdale (3-2) earned the win for Mt. SAC (19-12, 9-6 SCC). He nearly went the distance and allowed three runs and 11 hits in 8 2/3 innings while striking out six. Richard Martin induced Keener’s fly ball to end the game and earn his first save.

Long Beach returns to action on Monday (Apr 6) at 2:30 p.m. when it resumes play against Riverside Community College at home. The two squads will continue their game from February 13 that was halted because of rain. Riverside leads 4-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning.