Navarro throws first complete game of career as Comets open state tournament with 6-2 win

IRVINE, CA (5/23/2026) -- The Palomar College Comets didn't come to Great Park to survive. They came to make a statement. South No. 1 seed Palomar opened the 2026 3C2A State Tournament on Saturday with a dominant 6-2 victory over North No. 2 Feather River College and Joey Navarro made sure there was nothing close about it. The right-hander threw nine innings of four-hit ball, struck out a career-high ten batters, and became the first Comet pitcher to throw a complete game all season. Palomar is 42-6 and one win away from the state championship game.

Navarro was the best version of himself on the biggest stage he's pitched on. He didn't allow a hit until the third inning, worked through traffic without flinching, and retired the Golden Eagles in order in five of nine innings. His ten strikeouts were a season high, and his command, just three walks across 140 pitches, was a testament to how locked in he was from first pitch to last. He improved to 10-2 on the season in a performance that will be remembered long after this tournament ends.

The offense gave Navarro what he needed. Palomar scored single runs in the first and third, then added another in the fourth on a Michael Rodda single. The seventh inning put it away. Preston Conklin scored on a throwing error, and Adrian Macias followed with a two-run home run to right field to push the lead to 6-1. Rainn McMillan doubled and drove in a run, and Conklin also doubled and plated one to round out a lineup that stayed patient and productive throughout.

Feather River fell to 36-15. Nick Anderson and Walker DesRosier each drove in a run for the Golden Eagles.

Palomar will face the winner of North No. 1 Ohlone College and South No. 2 Santa Ana College on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Great Park in Irvine.