FULLERTON, Calif. – No. 22 Cal State Fullerton is off to its best start since 2007, as the Titans remain undefeated at 3-0 after sweeping Nebraska in Saturday's doubleheader at Goodwin Field.
Game One
Cal State Fullerton's offense unloaded late in the game, scoring six runs in the final three innings to pull away from Nebraska, 10-5, in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader at Goodwin Field.
The No. 22 Titans totaled 13 hits in the win, and were led offensively by Jared Deacon's 3-for-4 performance as the junior drove in two runs.
Michael Lorenzen and Anthony Hutting each homered for Fullerton, while J.D. Davis batted 2-for-5 and drove in a team-leading three runs.
Fullerton starter Grahamm Wiest allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings while also striking out seven in the no decision.
Kyle Murrray, Tyler Peitzmeier, Davis and Michael Lopez each appeared in relief, with Peitzmeier (1-0) recording the win. The sophomore tossed one inning of shutout baseball.
Entering the bottom of the seventh, Nebraska held a slim 5-4 lead, and that's when the Titans unloaded their offensive onslaught.
Fullerton scored three runs on four hits in the bottom of the seventh sparked by Hutting's two-run, pinch-hit homer dumped over the right field wall. Also in that inning, Davis drove in Matt Chapman with a single.
In the eighth, the Titans added a cushion with an additional three runs by way of four hits.
Chapman drove in Deacon with a RBI double, while Davis followed Chapman, clearing the bases with a two-run single.
Nebraska reliever Michael Hoopes (0-1) was charged with loss after allowing three runs on five hits in one and 2/3 innings of relief. Starter Ryan Hander allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in five and 1/3 innings of work.
The Titans were trailing entering the bottom of the seventh after Nebraska quickly tagged Murray. In his collegiate debut, the freshman was roughed up surrendering two runs on three hits.
Chapman finished the game with a 2-for-4 effort, while scoring two runs and also driving in a run.
Lorenzen hit 2-for-4 with a home run, three stolen bases, three runs scored and one RBI.
The Titans totaled three-extra base hits and four stolen bases in the win.
Chad Christensen led Nebraska with a 3-for-5 effort, driving in two runs.
Notes: Cal State Fullerton's 10 runs were its most since a 10-0 win at Pacific on May 6, 2012...Freshman Kyle Murray made his Titan debut on the mound…the last time the Titans hit multiple home runs in a game was three at UC Santa Barbara on May 11, 2012…the Titans' 13 hits were also their most since totaling 13 at UC Santa Barbara on May 11, 2012.
Second Game
Cal State Fullerton's offensive prowess continued in the second game of the doubleheader as the Titans dispatched the Huskers, 9-0.
Frehsman right-hander Justin Garza (1-0) was spectacular in his rookie debut, recording the win and tossing six shutout innings. The native of Ontario, Calif., allowed two hits and issued one walk, while fanning six.
He is the second Fullerton freshman to record a win on the mound this weekend, following Friday's winner, Thomas Eshelman.
In addition to Garza, Joe Navilhon, Henry Omana and Bryan Conant made their Titan debuts, respectively. Combined, the trio shutout Nebraska on two hits and one walk while striking out six. Each received an inning of work to close out the game.
At the plate, Nebraska's pitching staff combined to issue 11 free bases, helping the Titans total nine runs on 11 hits.
Chad Wallach led the Titans with a 2-for-4 evening at the plate, producing a one-run double in the third, and a two-run single in the fifth.
J.D. Davis also was impressive, batting 3-for-4 and plating Fullerton's first two runs with a two-run single in the first inning. Davis also added a double to his day.
Carlos Lopez batted 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Michael Lorenzen (1-for-3) was walked twice, and scored two runs. He also drove in a run, connecting on a RBI single in the third.
Nebraska starter Zach Hirsch (0-1) took the loss, allowing seven runs on eight hits and three walks.
The Titans return to action on Sunday, traveling to Bakersfield to play the Roadrunners at 2 p.m.
Notes: In addition to Garza, Navilhon, Omana and Conant, Jake Jefferies, A.J. Kennedy, Nico Darras, and Tanner Pinkston also made their Titan debuts…Cal State Fullerton is now 4-0 all-time against Nebraska…the Titans last shut out an opponent in a 4-0 victory at Long Beach State on May 25, 2012.
