Story and Photo by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons lost at Cougar Field for the first time this season after seeing Orange Coast College score a run in the ninth to hand COC a 6-5 defeat on Tuesday.

The Cougars (8-7) twice rallied from behind, scoring four runs in the fifth to bounce back from an early 3-0 deficit, and later tied the game at 5-5 on a passed ball in the eighth inning.

But an RBI-single from Pirate right fielder Ramiro Velasco in the top of the ninth spoiled COC’s chance of a comeback and halted the Cougars’ home win streak at eight games.

Trace Eldridge went 3-for-4 in the losing effort, including a three-run triple in the Cougars’ big fifth inning rally. Corbin Williams drove in the other COC run with an infield single earlier in the sequence.

Tyler Erne and Ryan Mendoza both finished the game 2-for-4.

COC starter Eddie Rosales took a no decision, lasting seven innings and allowing five runs on six hits and three walks. He also struck out six batters and allowed a home run.

Justin King (2-1) was charged with the loss after giving up a single to lead off the ninth inning and seeing that runner advance to third base on a throwing error and an infield groundout.

COC reliever Jarrett Poh entered the game with runners on the corners and one out in the ninth before hitting the first batter he faced to load the bases. Velasco’s single then brought home the winning run for the Pirates.

The loss was the second in as many games to Orange Coast (8-7). Canyons opened up the two-game set vs. the Pirates with a 7-3 road loss on Saturday.

Canyons hosts Golden West College today in its final contest before Western State Conference play begins on March 8.

Here’s the box score.

Stay up to date on all this season’s action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.