Cuesta Baseball travelled to Ventura on Saturday to complete a series sweep over Ventura, 5-4.  The Cougars' victory was the closest of their three wins over the Pirates but also improved their record to 13-9 overall and 7-2 against the Western State Conference (WSC).  Relievers Chase Viale and Benjamin Straw shared the decision with Viale earning the Win and Straw closing the game with his team-leading fourth Save of the season.  The Cougars took the early lead, 5-1, partially due to Hank Hansen's two-run home run in the 5th and held on after the Stretch as Straw closed the game.  Hansen joined Catcher Jack Gradel as they each drove in a pair of runs, while Gradel and Centerfielder Makani Nabarro both cranked out three hits on the day to help power the Cougars' offense. 

 

This week, the Cougars continue their 2026 WSC schedule with a three-game series against local rival Allan Hancock.  The Bulldogs have been brilliant early in the season and boast a 5-1 record against the WSC, along with a 15-4 overall mark.  Hancock is the only member of the WSC Circuit ranked in the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association (CCCBCA) Top 30 Poll.  They were tabbed at #20.  The Bulldogs are set to host the Cougars on Tuesday (2 PM) and Friday (1 PM), while the rivals play in SLO for game #2 on Thursday (2 PM).