Brahmas Fall Short in Intense Three-Game Series Against Grossmont

In a thrilling three-game series, the LA Pierce Brahmas faced off against Grossmont College. The Griffins narrowly clinched the series 2–1 in a display of resilience and competitive spirit.

Game 1: Grossmont's Comeback

The series opener saw momentum swing back and forth, and Grossmont took an early 2-0 lead. The Brahmas responded with three runs to take the lead, but at the bottom of the fourth inning, Girssmot managed success off Pierce starter Patrick Fernandez. A couple of passed balls and a two-run single gave Gorssmont a 6-3 lead. Pierce immediately got back loading the bases, an RBI hit by pitch from Ethan Granill, followed by a two-RBI single by Dylan Simon tied the game. Shortstop Christian Santiago knocked in a sacrifice fly to give the Brahmas the lead.

In the top of the eighth inning, Orion Hahm-Taklender and Jeremiah Jones hit back-to-back home runs to give Pierce a 10-7 lead. However, Grossmont got three consecutive RBI singles in the bottom of the ninth to steal game one with an 11-10 win. 

Game 2 Thriller: Brahmas Battle Back Late to Force Game 3

Game 2 between LA Pierce and Grossmont was nothing short of dramatic — a back-and-forth battle that saw the Brahmas rally from a late four-run deficit to win and force a decisive third game.

Early on, it looked like Pierce was in full control. The Brahmas came out swinging, jumping to a quick 4–0 lead in the first four innings behind sharp hitting and aggressive base running. Starter Justin Gottlieb was efficient through the early frames, keeping Grossmont's offense in check and maintaining momentum. Gottlieb held a no-hitter into the fifth inning. But Grossmont responded in the later innings, slowly chipping away at the lead. A RBI single in the seventh tied the game, and by the end of the top of the seventh, the Griffins had seized control with a seven-run outburst, capitalizing on a combination of timely hits. Grossmont, now leading 8-4, looked to close it out. 

With two innings to work with, the Brahmas dug deep. Johnathan Bogacz hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to cut the lead to two. In the bottom of the ninth, a back-to-back single and a walk loaded up the bases. Taklender hit an RBI single to put Pierce on the brink of tying it. Granillo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the game, with one out, and the bases loaded. Logan Kim drew a walk, bringing home the game-winning run, sealing a stunning 9–8 comeback victory. The walk-off win not only kept their season alive but also forced a highly anticipated Game 3, setting the stage for a thrilling series finale.

Game 3 Recap: Pierce Falls to Grossmont 11–3, Ending Season with Pride

After a dramatic comeback in Game 2 to even the series, the LA Pierce Brahmas entered Game 3 with momentum and belief. But in the decisive matchup, Grossmont came out swinging and never looked back, handing Pierce an 11–3 loss to take the series and advance.

Grossmont jumped ahead early, leading 7-0 after three innings. Pierce struggled to respond, managing only one run through the first six innings while Grossmont continued to build their lead with timely hits and aggressive baserunning. 

Despite the scoreboard, the Brahmas never stopped battling. They scratched across a couple of late runs, showing the same fight that defined their season. But Grossmont's offense proved too much, and the game ultimately slipped away.

The 11–3 defeat was a tough way to end the postseason run, but it didn't overshadow what was a strong and resilient year for LA Pierce. The Brahmas played with heart, rallied when it counted, and pushed a talented Grossmont squad to the brink.