Sacramento City Blanks Merced, 10–0, as Offense Erupts Late and Almond-Cano Duo Dominates

Sacramento City College continued its strong season with a commanding 10–0 shutout of Merced College on April 15, 2025, in Merced, CA. The Panthers (24–11) used a late offensive surge and a dominant pitching tandem to cruise past the Blue Devils (8–23) in a game that remained close until the final frame.

Pitching Powerhouse Silences Merced Bats

Starter Korrie Almond and reliever Iliana Cano combined for a two-hit shutout, striking out 11 and allowing just five baserunners over seven innings. Almond earned the win with four scoreless innings and seven strikeouts, while Cano shut the door with three strong innings of relief.

Steady Offense Breaks It Open Late

The Panthers scratched across single runs in the second, third, fifth, and sixth before exploding for five runs in the seventh to put the game out of reach. Jenna Potter and Ava Seguin led the charge, each driving in multiple runs, while Kayla Garber and Lily Lopez also delivered key hits in the late innings.

Defensive Woes Hurt Merced

Merced struggled defensively, committing four errors, including a costly misplay in the second that opened the door for Sacramento City's early lead. Despite a triple from Mariana Oberti, the Blue Devils couldn't capitalize on limited opportunities, leaving six runners on base.

Key Performances:

Sacramento City:

• Jenna Potter: 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R

• Ava Seguin: 2-for-4, 3 RBI

• Kayla Garber: 3-for-4, 2B, RBI, 3 R

• Lily Lopez: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI

• Korrie Almond (W, 4.0 IP): 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 7 K

• Iliana Cano (SV, 3.0 IP): 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

Merced:

• Mariana Oberti: 2-for-2, 3B, BB

• Ciara Esparza (L, 7.0 IP): 13 H, 10 R (9 ER), 1 BB, 1 K