The Glendale College Vaqueros opened the season with a hard-fought 7–6 victory over East Los Angeles on Friday, surviving a wild game filled with early offense and late bullpen heroics.

Glendale struck first with a run in the opening inning, then weathered a five-run second by East LA before answering right back. The Vaqueros plated two runs in both the second and third innings to regain control, highlighted by Jackson Pratt's two-run home run, which proved to be the difference. Pratt finished with two runs scored and two RBIs, setting the tone offensively.

Adonis Jenkins delivered in key moments, driving in two runs with a double, while Jackson Lyons chipped in an RBI and collected two hits. James Harrington was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two runs scored and two walks, constantly applying pressure. Andrew Garcia and David Lozano each added doubles as part of Glendale's nine-hit attack.

On the mound, the Vaqueros relied on depth after a tough second inning. Niko Weber-Smith earned the win with 2.1 solid innings, allowing just one run. The bullpen slammed the door late, as Ethan Montes was dominant in the final three innings, striking out four to earn the save and preserve the one-run victory.

With timely hitting and clutch relief pitching, Glendale moves to 1–0 on the young season, showing early resilience in a tight opening test.