FULLERTON, Calif. - Junior Justin Garza pitched five scoreless frames and Cal State Fullerton had consecutive big innings to defeat the Alumni 10-0 Saturday afternoon at Goodwin Field.
The Titans scored their sixth consecutive win over the Alumni since 2007. The game was cancelled due to inclement weather in 2008 and 2009.
Garza went five innings and allowed two hits. He struck out four, including three straight at one point. Freshman John Gavin was equally brilliant as the first-year player out of St. Francis High School handled the workload for the Alumni squad. Gavin went five scoreless frames and struck out six of his fellow Titans. He recorded multiple strikeouts in two innings and did not allow a hit until the fourth inning, a leadoff single to A.J. Kennedy.
The Titans got on the board in a big way in the sixth inning, plating four runs. Freshman Scott Hurst led off with a double that was aided by the fierce winds that plagued the outfielders all day at Goodwin Field. Tyler Stieb followed with a bunt single and then, with one out, freshman Chris Hudgins belted a double to plate Hurst with the first run of the game.
David Olmedo-Barrera followed with a two-run double in his only at-bat of the game to give the Titans a 3-0 edge and Josh Vargas capped off the scoring with an RBI single to right to bring in Olmedo-Barrera.
The Titans added a six-spot in the seventh to put the game away, getting RBI hits from Niko Pacheco, Turner Buis and Timmy Richards in the frame.
Chad Hockin, Kyle Murray, Maxwell Gibbs and Shane Stillwagon all pitched one inning of scoreless relief for the Titans to shut the door on the Alumni.
Eddie Delzer (1983-84) again drew the start for the Alumni, making his 18th straight appearance in the Alumni game. He dusted off his bag of tricks and with his first pitch launched three baseballs toward the mound, leaving Titans leadoff hitter Dustin Vaught frozen in time. Delzer would eventually coax a groundout from Vaught and then was given a reluctant hook.
The game featured many great Titans from the past including Justin Turner (2003-06), who served as the team's manager. Other former Titans that played in the game included Carlos Lopez (2010-13), Matt Chapman (2012-14), Greg Jacobs (1998), Richy Pedroza (2010-13), Corey Jones (2007-08, 10), Dustin Garneau (2006-09), Nick Ramirez (2009-11), Josh Fellhauer (2007-09), Erik Komatsu (2008), Chad Wallach (2011-13), Jared Deacon (2011-14), Austin Diemer (2012-14), Clay Williamson (2012-14), Joe Scott (2006-09), Anthony Hutting (2010-13), Keegan Dale (2011-14), Matt Orloff (2010-13), Longo Garcia (1987-88) and Wes Roemer (2005-07).
Current undergraduate assistant Sergio Pedroza (2003-05) and volunteer assistant coach Ronnie Prettyman (2003-05) along with former undergraduate assistant Cory Vanderhook (2006) also made appearances as pinch-hitters during the game.
Other alumni that were in attendance included Christian Colon (2008-10), Ryan Jara (1995), Robert Matos (1994-95), Tony Miranda (1994-95), Blake Davis (2004-06), Jeff Nichols (1975-78), Mike Rouse (2001), Dave Birosak (2012-13), Reed Johnson (1997-99), James Betzsold (1991-94), Ryan Owens (1997-99), Chris Robinson (1988-91), Rod Klopfer (1989), Shane Costa (2001-03), Kevin Rath (2008-10), Paul Canedo (2007), Jason Corapci (2000-03), Dave Chavez (1975), Koby Gauna (2012-14), Tyler Pill (2009-11), Chad Rolish (1993-94), Michael Lopez (2012-13), Noe Ramirez (2009-11), Frank Vilorio (1977-78), Adam Millan (1993-94), Vinnie Pestano (2004-06), Billy Marcoe (2007-10), Billy Pinkerton (2007), Dustin Birosak (2007), Grahamm Wiest (2012-14), Michael Lorenzen (2011-13) and Christian Coronado (2011-12, 14).
The Titans will begin the 2015 regular season on Feb. 13 when they head to the Clearwater Tournament at Bright House Field to take on hosts South Florida followed by Alabama State and Louisville.
Fullerton opens the home schedule on Feb. 17 when USC comes to Goodwin Field. Tickets are currently on sale.
Line Score
Alumni: 000 000 000 -- 0 4 3
Titans: 000 004 60X -- 10 11 0
