CLOSE GAME, FIRST FC LOSS

The Hornets took on a scrappy Palomar College squad at home Friday and lost their first of of the season 5-4.

Fullerton came into the game 4-0, while the Comets had a 1-1 record after splitting their earlier games with Golden West College.

The game began in FC's favor with the team jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning. With all the bases occupied, Britton Beeson came home after a balk was called. Jared Benash then grounded out to second base allowing Bryce Gamble to go home. Once again with the bases loaded, Tank Espalin was hit by a pitch that brought in Haole.

A fielding error by the Hornets gave Palomar the chance to get on the board in the fourth inning. 

In the sixth, the Comets added another run when Jack Sanders scored on a wild pitch.

Fullerton made it 4-2 in the bottom of the sixth on Isaiah Marquez's hard liner to center field scoring Jimmy Blumberg.

The Comets tied the game up at 4 apiece scoring runs in the seventh inning when Jack Sanders nailed a triple to deep center field plating Caden Szuba scored and Luke Matthews.

In the eighth, Palomar added the final run of the game on Luke Matthews' double to right scoring Kyle Harvey.

FC's Masen McDonnell (1-0) got the nod as the starting pitcher allowing only 4 hits, 1 walk, 1 earned run, with 2 K's in 6 innings. Adam Berecek (1-1) took the loss going 1.2 innings with 1 earned run and had 2 strikeouts. 

Up Next: The Hornets (4-1 overall) will play another one with Palomar again tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 4) down in San Marcos at noon.