Rio Hondo defeated the Pasadena City Lancers in 10 innings, 9-8, on a bases-loaded walk-off single by second basemen Nick Piraino Feb. 19 at Rio Hondo College.

With the roadrunners down, 8-7, Ray Gonzalez lead off the 10 inning by reaching base on an error by Pasadena’s third basemen, Eric Grajeda.  Gonzalez would then steal second and advance to third on a throwing error from the catcher, Jason Clark.

Matt Zurita came up to bat with one out and lined a single over the third basemen to drive in Gonzalez from third and tying the game.

The stage would be set for an emphatic finish when Pasadena’s pitcher, Zach Britt, hit two consecutive batters, loading up the bases with the possible winning-run on third and two outs.

Piriano, who got a single in his first at-bat and came into the game batting .400, hit a grounder to the right side of the second basemen and beat out the throw to first, ensuring the dramatic win for the roadrunners.

Pasadena scored 4 runs in the 9 inning to tie the game and send it into extras after Rio Hondo had established a 7-3 lead at the end of 8 innings.

Rio Hondo had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the 9 when David Marquez hit an infield single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Piraino.  Jacob Grijalva, flied out to right for the second out and Pasadena made a pitching change, bringing in a lefty, Ryan Reyes to face left-handed batter Aaron Ashton.

Ashton had doubled off the wall in deep centerfield in the 6 inning, and worked Reyes into a full count, but Reyes struck him out to end the threat and head into extra innings.

Pasadena would go ahead in the 10 inning scoring on an error from the catcher, but Rio Hondo would not be denied and improved their home record to 4-1.

Matt Young started the game for the roadrunners and pitched 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on only 2 hits.  Young, who came into the game with a record of 3-0 and an ERA of 2.30, walked 2, struck out 6 and retired the final seven batters that he faced.