Five hours and 10 minutes later, the Santa Ana College Dons survived and outlasted host Folsom Lake College, 8-7, in 15 innings on Day 1 of the California Community College Athletic Association Baseball State Championship at FLC’s The Lake.

After squandering a four-run lead in the 13thinning, The Dons (34-15) regained the lead in the top of the 15th on a solo home run off the bat of Ryann Stock. From there SAC relief pitcher Rocco Gurrola silenced the Falcons (36-12) in the bottom of the frame to end the marathon contest.

With the win, Santa Ana earned some extra sleep time and will face fellow Orange Empire Conference foe, Saddleback College at 2 p.m. in the championship semifinals. The loss sends the Falcons back to their home turf early in the A.M. to face fellow Big 8 foe, Sierra, in an elimination game.

Eddie Pelc went 2-for-7 with three RBI for SAC, while Stock, who came into the game as a defensive replacement in the 9th inning, went 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI, including the game-winner.

Gurrola (4-0) earned the win in relief, allowing just two hits and five strikeouts over 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

The extra-inning affair spoiled a pair of solid state-tournament performances from both starting pitchers. SAC starter, Hauze Fragoso went seven innings and allowed just two runs (one earned) on five hits with no walks and six strikeouts. For FLC, Cameron Saso went eight innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts.

Folsom Lake forced extras with a run in the ninth and prolonged the game with four runs in the bottom of the 13th after Santa Ana grabbed a 7-3 lead.

Jacob Elias went 3-for-6 with a run and two RBI, while J.T. Waldon added three hits, a run and two RBI. Logan Sutter also came through with three hits, two runs and one RBI.

Both teams combined to leave 29 runners on base and both pitching staffs struck out a combined 27 batters.

Game Coverage provided courtesy of Folsom Lake College Athletics: Article:Tony Altobelli, CCCSIA Photo Courtesy: David Sanborn, CCCAA