Defending state champion Santa Rosa J.C. showed that they are still an elite club by beating American River College 5-2 in Santa Rosa on Saturday.  On a day in which not very many Northern California teams played because of the rain, the Beavers and Bear Cubs endured a 10 minute rain delay but thanks to Santa Rosa's artificial turf, they were able to get the game in.  Sophomore LHP Kurt Johnson (Simi Valley Royal) battled through some wildness to throw 7 innings allowing just one earned run, but the Bear Cubs scored two unearned runs on a two out single off of Johnson and two runs in the 8^th inning thanks to a two out single off of closer Ian Codina (Oakmont), his first runs allowed this year.  Johnson struck out 6 and allowed just 4 hits through 7 innings.   The Beavers got on the board first this time, thanks to an RBI single to left by LF Justin Hanlin (Whitney) which scored 1B Alex Dodd (River City) who walked to open the inning.  The Beavers drew close in the top of the 8^th, as they were down 3-1 when freshman 3B Sonny Ledford (Rio Americano) doubled down the third base line to score 2B Matt Clarke (Bella Vista) who had singled to lead off the inning.  The Beavers also had runners at 2^nd and 3^rd with 2 outs in the 7^th but could not score and got the tying run to the plate in the 9^th but Clarke popped up to second base to end the game.

The Beavers will now go on Spring Break from school but have a three game series with Modesto Junior College starting on Tuesday in Modesto.  The teams will play at A.R.C. at 2:30 on Thursday before finishing the series back in Modesto on Friday.