Cougars Open 2026 with Offensive Fireworks and a Statement Shutout on the Central Coast

Game 1: Lassen 12, Hartnell 2

Lassen opened the 2026 season with a sharp, complete performance at Hartnell on January 23, rolling to a 12–2 win behind a balanced offensive attack and steady pitching. The Cougars were in control early, scoring two runs in the second inning and matching Hartnell’s two-run third with timely answers throughout the middle innings. From the first pitch, Lassen played with pace—putting pressure on the bases, taking quality at-bats, and setting a tone that carried through all nine innings.

The Cougars created separation in the fifth, pushing across three runs to take command. Jackson Rosenthal continued his strong start to the season with two doubles and two RBIs, while Mason Montoya and Ethan Beede delivered key run-producing swings to keep the line moving. Lassen finished with 12 hits and had RBI contributions spread throughout the lineup, a sign of the depth and versatility the Cougars are built around.

Lassen broke the game open late with a two-run seventh and a decisive five-run eighth, turning a competitive game into a runaway. Easton Curtis drove in two runs, Jack Zimmerman added an RBI, and Kale Dunn and Kylan Kono each contributed run production as the Cougars continued to stack pressure inning after inning. Defensively, Lassen stayed clean in the big moments and limited Hartnell’s scoring chances once they reached base.

On the mound, Kyson Goates earned the win with four strong innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four. Trent Bailey followed with four shutout innings, allowing just three hits with three strikeouts to finish the job. The opener showcased exactly what Lassen wants to be: consistent offense, aggressive execution, and multiple arms that can secure outs.

Game 2: Hartnell 18, Lassen 17

Game two turned into a back-and-forth slugfest, with Lassen falling just short in an 18–17 loss. The Cougars never stopped competing, scoring in seven different innings and repeatedly answering Hartnell runs with big responses of their own. Even after an early deficit, Lassen stayed composed, kept creating traffic, and made Hartnell earn every out.

Offensively, the Cougars were led by Mason Montoya, who delivered a monster performance with three hits and four RBIs, including a home run. Damico Parker also provided a huge spark, homering and scoring five times while driving in two. Lassen consistently pressured the defense with an aggressive approach on the bases, with stolen bases from Parker, Roque Serrano, and Montoya (three), plus two more from Izach Benavidez.

The Cougars were productive up and down the lineup, piling up 11 walks and turning them into runs with timely hits and situational execution. Jackson Rosenthal drove in three runs, Caden Fowler delivered two key RBIs, and Jason Borzello and Kylan Kono added run production as well. Even when Hartnell tried to create separation, Lassen answered with scoring bursts that kept the game on a knife’s edge deep into the late innings.

Ultimately, the difference came down to a handful of defensive miscues and Hartnell’s timely power at key points. Lassen’s offense did more than enough to win most days, but Hartnell’s late surge in the eighth held up as the Cougars’ rally came up one run short. While the result stung, the game also showcased Lassen’s fight, depth, and ability to score quickly—traits that translate as the season progresses.

Game 3: Monterey Peninsula 13, Lassen 4

Lassen returned to action on January 24 at Monterey Peninsula and battled throughout, but a pair of big innings swung the game in a 13–4 defeat. The Cougars were held scoreless through five while Monterey Peninsula built a lead with consistent pressure and timely hitting, including a four-run third inning that created early separation. Even with the scoreboard leaning away, Lassen continued to compete and looked for ways to chip back into it late.

Offensively, the Cougars began to find traction as the game moved into the later innings. Lassen finished with nine hits and six walks, showing an ability to create baserunners even against a staff that mixed pitches well early. Roque Serrano drove in a run, Caden Fowler produced an RBI, and Lassen got additional run production from Spencer Truebenbach and Cole Carnes, who delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home a key run.

The Cougars pushed across a run in the sixth and added three more in the ninth, showing continued fight and good at-bats even when playing from behind. Jason Borzello reached base multiple times and scored, while Mason Montoya collected two hits including a double. The late scoring surge was a positive sign as Lassen continued to build rhythm and settle into the early-season flow.

On the mound, Lassen used multiple arms as part of opening-weekend evaluation and workload management. The Cougars gained innings from Daniel Perez, Kyle Cope, Tyler Chisa, Evan Rhoden, Jesse Dillard, Josh Alcazar, Thomas Jensen, and Roque Serrano. While the final score didn’t go Lassen’s way, the game provided valuable reps across the staff and highlighted areas to tighten up as the Cougars moved to the series finale.

Game 4: Lassen 8, Monterey Peninsula 0

Lassen closed opening weekend with a statement performance, shutting out Monterey Peninsula 8–0 on January 25. The Cougars set the tone immediately with a three-run first inning and stayed in control the rest of the way, pairing timely offense with dominant pitching. After a high-scoring weekend, the finale showcased Lassen’s ability to win with precision and physicality.

At the plate, Caden Fowler delivered the signature performance, blasting a home run and driving in four runs. Damico Parker added a strong day at the top of the lineup with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI. Lassen also got production from Jack Zimmerman (RBI) and Jason Borzello (RBI), and the Cougars consistently created pressure with speed—stealing bases and forcing Monterey Peninsula to defend every pitch.

Lassen added to the lead with steady scoring, including two runs in the sixth and two more in the ninth to put the game away. Ethan Beede collected three hits, Kylan Kono added two hits, and the Cougars continued to stack quality at-bats and extend innings. With 11 hits and smart baserunning, Lassen maintained control without needing a single huge inning.

On the mound, the Cougars were outstanding. Fowler earned the win with 3.2 scoreless innings and six strikeouts, setting a dominant tone early. Ben Lukens followed with 4.1 shutout innings, allowing no hits while striking out four, and Noah Kimura closed the door with a clean final inning. The combined two-hit shutout capped a strong opening weekend and gave Lassen a clear blueprint for success moving forward.