No. 4 Comets Fall to Saddleback at Home

SAN MARCOS, CA (2/5/2026) -- Palomar College Baseball, which moved up to No. 4 in the state rankings earlier in the week, dropped a tightly contested matchup on Thursday afternoon, falling 10-7 to Saddleback College at Bob Vetter Field.

The Comets battled throughout the game and matched Saddleback early, scoring two runs in the first inning and staying within striking distance into the late innings. Palomar finished the day with 12 hits and seven walks, but a big seventh inning by the visitors proved to be the difference.

Braedon Peterson-Cheek led the offense, going 3-for-4 and setting the table at the top of the lineup. Elijah Stephens added a pair of doubles and two RBIs, while Preston Conklin delivered a solo home run. Ryan Ham and AJ Klubeck each drove in a run as Palomar continued to apply pressure offensively.

On the mound, Jude Atley struck out five in 3.2 innings of work, while the Comets used five pitchers to navigate the nine innings. Jordan Green, Joey Halter, Blake Gordon, and Peyton Perry combined to close out the game in relief.

Palomar will look to bounce back quickly, as the Comets head back on the road Friday, traveling to Fullerton College for a 1 p.m. first pitch.