SWASHBUCKLING THE PIRATES IN THE 9TH

In game one of the Orange Empire Conference three-game series, the Hornets pulled off a 6-4 walk-off win over the Pirates of Orange Coast College.

The Pirates made their move in the fourth inning grabbing a 3-0 lead on Koby Williams' double to right center scoring Owen Wessel. Luke Flinn then doubled to left field plating Williams and Zach Leite.

Orange Coast made it 4-0 in the seventh thanks to a solo jack by Owen Wessel.

For the most part, the game was an intense pitcher's duel where OCC's Dimond Loosli tossed an 8 inning four-hit game with 5 Ks and a walk. FC starter Matt Romero was just as efficient on the mound throwing a 5-hit game in 7 innings with 8 Ks and a walk. Reliever Andrew Carren (3-2) pitched 2 scoreless innings for the Hornets with 2 Ks and a walk.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Hornets took advantage of the Pirates, who decided to give Loosli a rest. FC landed two runs on walks with the bases loaded, and then Diego Franco came up to bat. On the first pitch, Franco ripped the ball over the right center ivy for a grand slam walk-off win for the Hornets. 

In a game where Fullerton only had 6 hits, Franco had 3 of them, including a double and homerun.

Up Next: Fullerton (18-11 overall, 6-4 OEC) will head south to Orange Coast College to pick up game two of the OEC series on Thursday, April 4th. The first pitch goes out at 2:00 pm.

*Photo by Kailee Avina