Taft holds off Feather River 11-10 in game called for darkness

TAFT, Calif. — Taft College built an early eight-run cushion and then held off a furious late rally from Feather River to secure an 11-10 victory in a seven-inning game called for darkness Saturday afternoon at Cougar Field.

The Cougars led 11-3 after three innings and still carried a one-run edge when the umpires halted play following the top of the seventh. Feather River had clawed back into the game with a four-run fifth and a three-run sixth, capped by J. Phillips' three-run home run that cut the deficit to 11-10, but Taft's early offensive surge ultimately proved decisive.

Feather River struck first in the opening frame, taking a 2-0 lead on W. DesRosier's two-run single. Taft answered immediately in the bottom half, sending six runs across in a decisive inning that flipped control of the game. R. Madrigal's RBI single helped ignite the rally as the Cougars pounced on early opportunities and exited the first with a 6-2 advantage.

The Cougars continued to apply pressure in the second and third innings. In the second, D. George delivered an RBI single to push the margin to 8-2. One inning later, Taft added three more runs, including another key knock from Madrigal, to stretch the lead to 11-3. Taft finished with 11 runs on 11 hits, drew five walks, stole four bases and left seven runners on base while putting together productive at-bats throughout the first half of the game.

Feather River refused to go away, starting its comeback in the fifth. J. Hertel's two-run single highlighted a four-run frame that trimmed the Taft lead to 11-7. An inning later, Phillips delivered the biggest swing of the day for the visitors, launching a three-run homer as part of a three-RBI sixth that suddenly made it a one-run contest. Feather River finished with 10 runs on 12 hits, including three doubles and the Phillips home run, and drew six walks while leaving nine on base.

Madrigal led the Taft offense at the top of the order, going 3-for-? with three runs scored and two RBIs to pace the Cougars' attack. L. Angelo added two hits, two RBIs and a sacrifice bunt, contributing to Taft's ability to manufacture runs in multiple ways. Despite being held scoreless over the final four innings, the Cougars' early production stood up under pressure.

On the mound, C. Phillips earned the win for Taft, improving to 1-0 after working 4 1/3 innings. Phillips allowed six hits and five earned runs while striking out five, stabilizing the game through the middle innings as Feather River tried to mount its charge. Both teams played clean defense with no errors recorded, but Taft's explosive start and Phillips' work in the circle gave the Cougars just enough room to withstand the late surge before darkness closed out the contest.