It was a tough draw on opening weekend for the 2026 American River College Baseball team, having to take on the state #1 ranked West Valley College Vikings.  Game one on Friday was a well played affair by both teams, as the game was tied 3-3 going into the bottom of the 8^th inning.  Freshman RHP Ben Bowers (Folsom) made his collegiate debut, throwing 4 innings and allowing two runs.  Sophomore RHP Kaden Clive (Delta) threw two perfect innings in relief as well.  West Valley got the big hit in the 8^th after freshman RHP Zach Laduzinski (Whitney) hit the first two batters he faced.  Sophomore RHP Ethan Palumbo (Antelope) came in and after an intentional walk he surrendered a line drive grand slam to give West Valley the 7-3 lead. 

The Beavers hit the ball well with sophomore SS Bryce Sabatke (River City) and sophomore 3B Luke Haney (Oak Ridge) having a pair of hits each. 

Saturday was the Beavers home opener and for the first time in many days the sun was out in Sacramento.  Freshman RHP Brandon Pelechowicz (Yuba City) made his collegiate pitching debut, striking out 7 in four shutout innings.  The Beavers took a 1-0 lead in the 4^th when sophomore 1B Jose Vega (Highlands) scored on a wild pitch.  The Beavers gave up four unearned runs in the  5^th inning however to put the Vikings up 4-1.  ARC answered right back however, tying the game with three runs in the bottom of the 5^th, then took an 8-4 lead in the 6^th after scoring four times, with a two run double to left center by sophomore CF Jackson Nichols (Valley Christian).  West Valley stormed right back, scoring 4 in the top of the 7^th to tie the game 8-8.  Once again, the two teams were tied heading into the 8^th inning.  In the top of the 8^th West Valley's leadoff hitter reached on an error by freshman 3B Jameson Barnes (Twelve Bridges).  It would prove costly as the runner would come around to score on a double off of Kaden Clive.  In the top of the 9^th Ethan Palumbo got his revenge, striking out the same batter who had homered off of him the day before to end a threat.  The Beavers only managed 5 hits in the game but scored 8 runs thanks to the offense drawing 11 walks.  Freshman RF Mason Tassano (Galt) also added a pair of stolen bases.

The Beavers return to action on Thursday at home for a three game series with the Golden Valley Conference power Feather River College.  Thursdays game is at 2 pm, Friday has a 1 pm start time and Saturday is at noon.