WALK-OFF WIN OVER ORANGE COAST - 1ST ANNUAL DON HUDSON GAME

At home on Saturday, it was the 1st Annual Don Hudson Scholarship Game for the Hornets, and the team did not let Don down defeating Orange Coast College 2-1 in walk-off fashion.

It was a good win for Fullerton as the team is fighting its way through the tough Orange Empire Conference with a 3-2 record currently in fourth place. Orange Coast's loss bumps the Pirates to 0-5 in the OEC as Santa Ana and Golden West remain undefeated at 6-0 and 4-0. Cypress College is riding in second at 4-1.

The game itself was a straight up pitcher's duel that lasted two and a half hours. A scoreless contest through the first four innings, both the Pirates and Hornets managed to score a run in the fifth. For OCC, Nathan Valencia hit a hard single that got through the right side scoring Gibson Rath. The Hornet's Noah Rodriguez came through with a triple to center allowing Hunter Billingsly to come home.

With the game all tied up at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth it was up to Fullerton's two Jakes. Savy sophomore Jake Larson came up big knocking in the winning run on his shot to the left side that gave Jake Starr the opportunity to sprint home to win the game.

FC starting pitcher Sage Nelson tossed a superb game going 5 strong innings with 6 hits against, 1 run, had 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Christian Valent came in to throw a scoreless 6th inning with a strikeout. Julian Castro filled in nicely for the win throwing 3 innings with no hits against, no runs, and only 1 walk.

Prior to the official start of the game, longtime college baseball supporter Don Hudson was honored at the mound for creating a new scholarship that will bear his name. Surrounded by coaches from both teams as well as the Fullerton College administration, Don threw out the first pitch.

"Don, on behalf of Fullerton College and Fullerton Hornet Baseball thank you for your unwavering passion and commitment to college baseball. Your valued support has made a lasting impact on countless student-athletes, helping them pursue their dreams both on and off the field. Your generosity in funding the Don Hudson Scholarship ensures that future generations can succeed and grow through the sport we all love. Your dedication has not only strengthened our program but has also inspired many along the way. We are truly grateful for your contributions and the legacy you continue to build. Thank you for everything you do for the Fullerton Hornets and college baseball", Hornet Head Baseball Coach Chad Baum.

Up Next: The Hornets (13-11 overall, 3-2 OEC) still have a makeup game at Orange Coast College that will be announced soon. The next game after that will be on Tuesday, March 25th at home vs. Santa Ana College. Game time is at 2:00 pm.