FULLERTON, Calif. --- It was a thriller right down to the very end, but it was current Cincinnati Reds pitcher and former Titan closer Michael Lorenzen coming in and doing what he had done 35 times during his time at Fullerton, picking up a one-out save to close out a 5-3 victory for the Alumni over the Titans, Saturday at Goodwin Field.
For the Alumni squad, the win marked its first over the Titans since 2007, snapping what was an eight-game losing streak. However, the news isn't all bad for the Titans. The last time Fullerton dropped a contest to the Alumni, the team put together a magical season that ended up seeing the Titans in Omaha.
"It's always fun to come back here and see all of the guys," said Lorenzen. "This is a good team and I can't wait to see what these guys do this season."
Junior left-handed pitcher John Gavin got the start for the Titans, giving up just one earned run in 4.1 innings of work.
The Titans struck first, as junior Dillon Persinger set up the scoring threat, roping a leadoff double into the right field corner. Two batters later redshirt junior Taylor Bryant doubled him home, as he smacked one off the right field fence to give the Titans the early 1-0 advantage.
For a while the 1-0 lead looked to be all Gavin needed, as he carried a no-hitter into the fifth frame, but with one out in the inning, the former Senior CLASS Award winner, Carlos Lopez homered to right field, knotting things at 1-1.
The home run was just the first of what turned into be a three-run fifth frame for the Alumni, A.J. Kennedy and Richy Pedroza each picked up RBIs, eventually making it a 4-1 Alumni lead heading into the bottom of the inning.
However, the Titans responded with a run in the bottom of the frame to make it a 4-2 contest.
The Titans crept a little closer in the sixth, as junior Scott Hurst doubled to right with runners at the corners, to bring the Titans within 4-3.
That's as close as they'd get, as Anthony Hutting proved why he was just hired as Cypress College's new head baseball coach, as he executed in the clutch, launching a double down the right field line to make it a 5-3 Alumni lead.
"Everyone on the field today is special player," Bryant said. "There's a reason all these guys came through this program. As a competitor, you always want to win and we have some things to work on, but it was great to see all the former Titans come back."
The Titans now look ahead to Opening Day, as they'll open the 2017 regular season at home against Stanford, Feb. 17 at 7 pm PT.
OPENING WEEKEND
In honor of Augie Garrido and his extraordinary career, a limited amount of Augie Garrido bobbleheads will be available to fans who purchase a "winning" program any time during Friday's game. "Winning" programs will be marked with a specific stamp that will allow fans to pick up their bobblehead at the various marketing tables around Goodwin Field. Programs will be $3 and available at various marketing tables around the field. Garrido will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday's game. The celebration will continue on Saturday, as fans will receive special edition Augie Garrido soda cups while supplies last. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets!
SUPPORT THE TITANS!
Fans can purchase tickets for various Cal State Fullerton athletic events by visiting FullertonTitans.com/Tickets. The Athletic Ticket Office can also be contacted by phone at 657-278-2783 or by email at athletictixs@fullerton.edu. The Ticket Office is located at the Titan House off of Gymnasium Drive at the eastern end of the Intramural Fields and is open from 10 am – 4 pm PT, Monday – Friday.
FOLLOW THE TITANS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titan Athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook/FullertonTitans), Twitter (@FullertonTitans) Instagram (FullertonTitans) and Snapchat (FullertonTitans). In addition, the baseball team has established its own Twitter (@BaseballTitans) and Instagram accounts (csf_titanbaseball).