Long Beach City College sophomore Matt Johnson allowed just three hits and struck out 13 batters in a 2-0 complete-game shutout win over visiting College of the Sequoias on Friday at Joe Hicks Memorial Field.
The Vikings (2-6 overall) took game two to even up the three-game non-conference series at 1-1. LBCC and COS are scheduled to wrap up set on Saturday at 12 p.m.
Johnson, a former Lakewood Lancer, was impressive early as he fanned six of the first nine batters he faced and was just as strong in the end, striking out three of his final four opponents.
Johnson (1-0) allowed singles in second, fourth and eighth innings and walked just two in earning his first win in three starts this season.
The Vikings gave him all the run support he would need in the bottom of the sixth.
With one out, sophomore designated hitter Jared Smith was hit by a pitch and moved to second base on a ground out. With two down, Smith came in to score on a single by freshman third baseman Brandon Gillilan.
A two-base error by left fielder Taylor Wade allowed Gillilan to advance all the way to third. Sophomore shortstop David Compton followed that up with a RBI single to bring in Gillilan and give LBCC the 2-0 advantage.
Compton (2 for 4, RBI, SB) and freshman left fielder Stephon Brown (2 for 2, BB) both had two hits to lead the Vikings at the plate.
John Niggili (0-1) earned the loss for Sequoias (3-4-1 overall). He allowed two runs (one earned) and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked none.
Reports From LBCC