 Unfortunately for Sertorius, Metellus fought his way past Perpenna who was trying to keep him from interfering and came to Pompey's rescue.At the start of the campaigning season of 75 BC Pompey defeated Sertorius's legates, Perpenna and Herennius, in a battle near Valentia.Perperna and Herrenius made the mistake of giving battle, apparently they were under the impression they could defeat the young general in a pitched battle.