Rocklin breaks through in series win over Del Oro

It's been a frustrating start to the 2026 season for the Rocklin High School baseball team, but after several close results, the Thunder finally broke through on Monday. Rocklin started the season at 0-8-1 against some stiff competition, dropping close games against Roseville, College Park, West Park, McClatchy and Granite Bay. The Thunder finally picked up their first win of the season Monday, using a four-run sixth inning to down Del Oro 7-5 in Sierra Foothill League play. Rocklin kept that momentum rolling into Tuesday, downing the Golden Eagles 7-4 in Loomis to secure the series victory. In the series opener Roman Castellanos led the way at the plate for the Thunder, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Max Griffith reached base three times, scored twice and added a double. Dash Murphy and Ryan Lujan each drove in a run, helping fuel the comeback. On the mound, Rocklin's pitching staff combined for seven strikeouts across seven innings, limiting damage after Del Oro's early scoring. It took four pitchers to get the job done for the Thunder, with Merrick Thomas earning the win in relief. Thomas struck out two and did not allow a hit in two shutout innings. Rocklin followed with another strong offensive performance, piling up 11 hits and pulling away with five runs across the fifth and sixth innings. Griffith powered the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Colby Cobb added two hits, two RBIs and a double. Ryan Lujan collected two doubles, and Connor Kostecki chipped in a pair of hits as the Thunder lineup produced consistent pressure throughout. On the mound, Andrew Hancock set the tone with five innings, surrendering one run and striking out eight to help Rocklin control the game early. The Thunder staff finished with eight strikeouts overall, backing up another clean defensive effort. The Thunder will go for the sweep on Thursday in Rocklin.