Batting woes sting Comets

The baseball team failed to establish any offensive rhythm as it took a 1-0 loss to Hartnell College on Thursday on the baseball field.

Contra Costa College (2-8) was held scoreless against the Panthers (3-7) as the Comets could not find any sync hitting the ball.

CCC will host Mendocino College on Thursday at 2 p.m. in a Bay Valley Conference clash.

"We've got to work on our hitting," coach Marvin Webb said. "I mean guys think they can hit, but we need to work on our mechanics and guys just need to grow up."

Panther outfielder Jordan Holler opened the game well for Hartnell after he hit a double off of Comet pitcher Chris Lovejoy. Holler managed to steal third base, which set up a Hartnell run after outfielder Manny Martinez hit a single to bring in Holler.

The Comets struggled to establish any consistent offense in the first inning as the squad made three quick outs.

Solid pitching proved to be the only thing going right for CCC as it prevented the Panthers from extending their lead, thus allowing the game to stay competitive.

"Just throwing strikes and letting them fly out kept us in the game," Lovejoy said.

The Comets eventually started to pick things up on the offensive end in the sixth inning after second basemen Michael Chambers recorded a base hit and stole second base.

"(Hartnell's) pitcher was throwing right over the plate with curve balls and I was just able to hit some right up the middle," Chambers said.

The offensive spark by Chambers was one of the only bright moments of the day for CCC as it reverted back to what doomed the team from the start of the game.

"We were swinging at (bad) pitches and getting ourselves out," shortstop Saul Rodriguez said. "We were off balanced and just didn't stick to the game plan."

Rodriguez, who earlier had recorded the Comets' first hit of the game, gave CCC a chance to win the game as he led off with a base hit in the seventh inning. After the hit, third basemen Cameron Doorn continued the offensive surge with a base hit of his own.

With one out and two players on base, CCC was in position to put some runs on the scoreboard, however the Panthers were able to end the squad's chances after turning a double play,  leaving the Comets empty handed in the inning.

"We had no offense, (Hartnell's) pitcher threw good fast balls and also curve balls," Webb said.

The Comets were faced with another chance to score in the eighth inning after catcher Carney Chamberlain hit a single to get on base.

Designated hitter Dorian Glover then hit a sacrifice bunt to help move Chamberlain on to second base. However, the Hartnell pitchers shut down the Comets once again, preserving the shutout victory and giving CCC its eighth loss of the season.