PASADENA, CA — The Arroyo Seco Saints (16-20) fell to the MLB Academy Barons (13-21) 10-9 Sunday night at Jackie Robinson Field in the final game of the 2025 California Collegiate League (CCL) season. 

From the third inning on, the Saints appeared to be in complete control of the contest, but the ninth inning was a different story. As both the Saints and Barons were aware, this game had no bearing on their postseason schedule. Therefore, both teams were trying to enjoy their final game of the regular season. 

In the ninth, Arroyo Seco Head Coach Aaron Milam and his staff put position players Lane Haworth (UTSA) and Gannon Snyder (UC Berkeley) to finish things on Sunday night. Unfortunately, the Saints’ 9-4 lead culminated with a 10-9 final score in favor of the Barons. 

Early on, both starting pitchers were sharp. The Saints opted for Maximo Newhart (Transfer Portal) to start, and Jacob Ramirez (Shorter University) toed the rubber for the Barons to begin the contest. The first two innings were breezy and scoreless; each team could only muster one hit per side. 

Contrarily, the third inning saw each team crack the scoreboard. The Barons tallied three runs in the visiting half, but their effort was combated by a six-run onslaught by the Saints. 

Despite a shaky third inning, Newhart’s command was dialed in for his three innings of work. He reflected on his efficient start postgame. 

“I wanted to establish [my pitches] early in the zone,” said Newhart. “I then worked from there, getting the breaking balls in [too]. Being efficient and commanding the zone is the only way to get it done.” 

Unlike Newhart, Ramirez was unable to escape the third inning and was nowhere near as efficient.  

Arroyo Seco’s offense was not done as they scored three more runs in the fifth and eighth innings, respectively; the Barons were unable to keep the pace. MLB Academy could only tally one run after the third inning, trailing 9-4 heading into the final frame. 

Sunday night was a coming-out party for various Saints in various ways. For example, Joey Milto (Transfer Portal) and Snyder have not been swinging a hot bat as of late, but their four combined RBIs were a nice change of pace. Also, Levi Maddela (Transfer Portal) made an unusual appearance on the mound, but he tossed a scoreless frame despite never having logged a collegiate inning on the bump. 

Specifically, Snyder has been battling his fair share of hindrances but found many ways to come through for the Saints on Sunday night. His 3-5 effort at the plate included one RBI and set the table for his teammates who hit after him. Snyder commented on his stellar offensive performance after the game. 

“Just coming back and putting the bat on the ball, the barrel on the ball, good things happen,” mentioned Snyder. “I am trying to stay in the middle of the field [and hit the ball] the opposite way.” 

Arroyo Seco’s positive momentum came to an abrupt stop as the ninth inning progressed, however. Haworth and Snyder struggled to find the zone, allowing the Barons to scratch six runs across in their half of the ninth. 

In the home half, the Saints’ bats seemed shell-shocked as they left the bases loaded to finish Sunday night’s game. Amari Yolas (University of The Cumberlands) recorded three straight outs after loading the bases, concluding matters at Jackie Robinson Field with a 10-9 final score. 

Despite losing their final game of the regular season, the Saints already clinched a playoff berth and will travel to Great Park in Irvine to play the Orange County Riptide in the CCL South Wild Card Game on July 29 at 7:00 p.m. 

Contributors:

• Saints reporter Tyler Bowne (San Diego State)
• Saints photographer Carina Sanchez (California State University Los Angeles)