Sacramento City Rallies to Walk Off American River, 9–8, Giving Head Coach Derek Sullivan His 300th Career Win

In a thrilling extra-inning comeback, Sacramento City College edged American River, 9–8, on April 3, 2025, in Sacramento, CA—delivering a historic milestone for Panthers head coach Derek Sullivan, who earned his 300th career victory with the win.

Down 8–2 in the eighth inning, the Panthers erupted for seven unanswered runs over the final three frames, capped by Brenden Murphy's walk-off RBI single in the 10th. The win keeps Sac City (20–13, 11–6 Big 8) firmly in the playoff hunt and adds another highlight to Sullivan's remarkable coaching legacy.

Tight Early Battle Turns Wild Late

The game was a pitcher's duel through seven, tied 2–2 after RBI contributions from Bryce Sabatke (American River) and Jackson Norton and Joseph Portwood (Sac City). But the eighth inning turned chaotic.

ARC Explodes for Six in the Eighth

American River (12–18, 4–10) broke the deadlock with a six-run outburst in the top of the eighth, highlighted by a two-run double from Lance Sabatke and a two-run single from Jonas Dyas, seizing what seemed like an insurmountable 8–2 lead.

Panthers Respond with Furious Rally

Sac City answered with four runs in the bottom half, fueled by RBI hits from Levi Sotomayor and Joseph Portwood, and drew closer with Tyson Mayberry's game-tying two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to make it 8–8.

Murphy Sends Sullivan to 300

After Joel Magallon drew a leadoff walk in the 10th and advanced on a sac bunt, Brenden Murphy drove a line-drive single into left to score the winning run—clinching the victory and etching Coach Sullivan's 300th career win into the history books.

Key Performances:

Sacramento City:

• Tyson Mayberry: 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R

• Brenden Murphy: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB (including game-winning hit)

• Joseph Portwood: 2-for-5, 3 RBI

• Kaden Isola: 3-for-5, R

• Cody Williams (W, 1-0): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

American River:

• Dylan Westbrook: 2-for-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB, 2 IP on mound

• Bryce Sabatke: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, R

• Lance Sabatke: 1-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R

• Jonas Dyas: 1-for-4, 2 RBI

• Joey Guarienti: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K