An 8-2 beatdown by LA Pierce handed City College baseball its fourth loss in the past six games Saturday afternoon at Pershing Park.

Since starting conference play 2-1, the Vaqueros have been outscored 31-14, and have struggled to perform well in consecutive games.

“I just don’t think that we had the energy today and that showed,” said catcher Andrew Cosgrove.

A win would have put the Vaqueros into a tie for first place with Ventura College, who they play twice next week. However, the loss drops them to 4-4, just one game ahead of the last placed Brahmas.

The Brahmas offense got to work early as they began the second inning with three straight hits for two runs. That prompted City College head coach Jeff Walker to go to the bullpen after getting just one inning from starting pitcher Ian Clark.

“We set the tone really early,” Walker said. “A very uninspiring effort from our starter for the second time in a row.”

City College used three different pitchers in the first four innings. They combined to give up six runs on seven hits and five walks.

“We were struggling to get ahead,” Cosgrove said.

“A lot of walks, a lot of hits, a lot of free passes…” Walker said. “The pitching and catching side of it got away from us today.”

This put the Vaqueros in an early 5-0 hole and the offense could not get them back into the game.

“We struggle offensively when we’re behind,” Walker said.

Freshman Costello Dominick started the game for the Brahmas and allowed just one hit in his five shutout innings.

LA Pierce racked up six errors on the day, but the Vaqueros were unable to capitalize on the mistakes. City College remained hitless until the sixth inning when designated hitter Nicolas Bereaud hit a single.

“We’ve got a big week next week,” Walker said.

The two-game series against Ventura starts at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 at Pershing Park. Game two will be played at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17 at Ventura.