BASEBALL: WELCOME BACK!

The Hornets got the 2019 season underway on Saturday afternoon against Ventura College and knocked off the Pirates 8-2.

Fullerton did some damage in the first inning on a double to left center by Tony Accordino that brought in Monte Montenegro from first base.

The Pirates evened it out in the top second when lead-off batter Jacob Harris hit a high shot over the right field ivy.

In the bottom second, the Hornet offense struck again when Tyler Becker grounded out to second with the bases loaded giving Ryan Stephens the opportunity to score. FC made it 3-1 in their favor on a wild pitch that brought Diego Black home.

The Hornets scored another run in the third on Josh Sanchez's double to left field bringing Accordino in from second base.

In the fourth, Fullerton added another in the fourth giving the Hornets a 5-1 advantage. PJ Gordon slammed one through the left side scoring Becker.

Fullerton scored again in the eighth when Gordon laid down bunt and was called safe due to a fielding error that brought Alex Gonzalez across home plate. With the bases loaded Josh Sanchez ripped hard grounder up the middle scoring Gordon and Accordino. When the dust cleared, the Hornets were up 8-1.

Ventura brought their second run across in the eighth when Gabe Baldovino hit into a 6-4-3 double play scoring Brian Guy from third.

Hot hitters for the Hornets were first baseman Tony Accordino (3 hits, 2 runs, RBI), DH Josh Sanchez (3 hits, 3 RBI), and left fielder Monte Montenegro (2 hits, 1 BB, 1 run). 

Starting pitcher Taed Heydinger (1-0) earned the win going 4 innings on 5 hits with 1 earned run against. He totaled 5 K's on the day. Coming in to relieve was Patrick Showalter, who went 4 strong innings with no runs, 3 hits, and 2 K's. Jake Lachemann came in for an inning to end the game and had not hits against with 1 strikeout.

Up Next: Fullerton (1-0 overall) will hit the road against Mount San Jacinto College this Tuesday, January 29th at 2:00 pm.

*Photos by Matt Brown

Like us on Facebook!