Merced Scores 6 Runs in 10th to Beat Canyons

College of the Canyons has shown a flair for dramatic finishes, but Friday night the Cougars were outdone by another come-from-behind team.

Canyons scored one run in the top of the ninth inning and two more in the 10th inning, but Merced rallied for six runs, including a grand slam, and won, 8-4, in the second round of the Allan Hancock Easter baseball tournament.

Trailing, 2-1, in the ninth inning, Canyons tied the score on Roger Nix’s home run to left field. Canyons (22-4-1) then grabbed a 4-2 lead in the top of the 10th on consecutive singles by Andy Cutchall, Mike Bible and Nix.

Starting pitcher Fred Riscen struck out 14, gave up two runs, five hits and two walks in nine innings. He allowed a two-run homer to Eddie Garcia in the seventh inning that gave Merced a 2-1 lead.

Relief pitcher Chris Zavatsky replaced Riscen in the 10th inning and gave up a two-run double before Jon Rattazzi hit a grand slam to give Merced the victory.

Canyons--which advanced Thursday by beating Foothill, not Merced, as reported--will play College of the Sequoias today in the third round of round-robin play.