Riverside City College pitcher Ryan Jenkins, 20, delivers a pitch at Falcons Field on May 9. Photo courtesy of Samantha Wellman.
By: Eric Pacheco
The Tigers’ underdog run for their sixth state title ended when they were swept May 9 at Cerritos College’s Falcon Field.
The Riverside City College baseball team entered the Super Regionals as the 13 seed, the lowest remaining seed left in the California Community College Athletic Association playoffs. They lost game one to 8-seeded Long Beach City College 9-2, then they blew a 9th inning 2-0 lead to top-seeded Cerritos College Falcons before losing 4-3 in 11 innings in game two.
RCC’s defense, which had been an overlying problem for the team all season, struggled in game one, allowing four unearned runs.
“We squandered opportunities offensively and weren’t able to make plays when we needed to to keep us in contention,” Tigers head coach Rudy Arguelles said about the 9-2 loss to Long Beach.
Arguelles was pleased with how his ballclub bounced back in a close competitive matchup in game two. Ultimately, they would be unable to close out a 2-0 lead in the 9th inning and a 3-2 lead in the 10th.
“It was really unfortunate to not be able to close that game out and get us to the second day where anything can happen,” Arguelles said about the loss to Cerritos.
Riverside City College shortstop Eddie Alfaro, 7, swings away at Falcons Field on May 9. Photo courtesy of Samantha Wellman.
In the end, Arguelles was proud of his team, which entered the season without the high expectations from outsiders that RCC is used to seeing. A big reason for this was the youth of the team, which Arguelles noted is the youngest Tigers team in over a decade. All but one main starter on defense were freshmans.
The coaching staff now looks to take the lessons learned from this season — in which they finished 27-17 — and hopes to instill them into the young group as they prepare for the offseason.
“This program has always been about growth and development,” Arguelles said. “We have to continue working in those areas, whether enhancing game aptitude and awareness, relishing the moment, and approaching each day with an absolute purpose.”
Some of the key returning players will be all-Orange Empire Conference first-team pitcher Ryan Jenkins, along with second-team all-conference outfielders Alex Gamez and Dylan Nelson. Also amongst that group are top-of-the-lineup staples in shortstop Eddie Alfaro and center fielder Parker Sobiesiak.
Most of the departing Tigers come from the pitching staff, with starters Julian Cazares, Alex Navarrete and Dylan Plutner moving on this fall. Along with those arms departing will be high-leverage relievers Matt Hudson and Dakota Gray. From the offensive side of the baseball standout catcher Richie Tejeda will also be departing.
“Hopefully, they can take the lessons that they’ve learned here and the foundational pillars that have been instilled in them,” Arguelles said. “The expectancy as they move on is to continue to be no maintenance guys and absolute contributors to the new programs that they’re going to be a part of.”
For the returning players, Arguelles challenges them for growth and a sense of realization that one of their four years of eligibility has already gone by not only as a player but as a student and a person. He also expressed his excitement going into the summer and into the fall.
“Hopefully, it gives them a sense of urgency to continue to put the work in over the summer with the absolute purpose to be ready to attack a new season,” Arguelles said.
Arguelles closed with a message that some might say is a warning for what the Tigers have in store for the 2025 season.
“There’s always going to be expectations here no matter what,” he said. We will retool we always have, and we accept that challenge and we’re excited about it. It’s what we’re built on here.”
