FULLERTON, Calif. – On an emotional night that began with Cal State Fullerton honoring the late legendary Augie Garrido, the Titans showed the fighting spirit Garrido would have been proud of, as they struck for five runs in the seventh en route to a 7-3 victory over Grand Canyon in the series opener on Friday.
Fullerton (5-10) has now captured a series opening win in each of its last four series and Titan ace Colton Eastman (2-1) was a big reason why once again, as he earned the win. He tossed a career-high 7.0 innings, while surrendering zero earned runs, walking just two and striking out seven.
Jimmy Endersby also earned his first career save, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames.
A moment of silence for the �� before tonight's game. 1⃣6⃣ #OnceATitanAlwaysATitan #RIPAugie #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/t6vMmorp8s
— Titan Baseball (@BaseballTitans) March 17, 2018
Mitchell Berryhill led the way offensively, going 3-of-4 from the dish with an RBI, while Sahid Valezuela came up with two knocks from the lead off spot. Chris Prescott also recorded two hits and a run scored, while Ruben Cardenas scored two runs and racked a hit.
Daniel Cope stayed hot, extending his on-base streak to nine straight games, as he went 2-for-4 from the plate with a run scored. In fact the Titan 1-4 hitters combined to compile seven hits and score four runs on the evening. Brett Borgogno came through with the first hit of his collegiate career, as he recorded an RBI single in the sixth
Hank LoForte also contributed, driving in two runs, while recording a hit and scoring one. Jake Pavletich also chipped in with a double, a run scored and an RBI.
The Titans improved to 5-1 when scoring first this season, as they opened the scoring in the third frame. Prescott led things off with a single up the middle before Cardenas reached on a fielders choice. After Cardenas stole second, Cope came through with an infield knock, while Cardenas eventually scored from third base on a wild pitch to put the Titans in front 1-0.
Fullerton extended its lead to 2-0 in the sixth after Pavletich launched a rocket to left center for a one out double. Berryhill singled to put runners at the corners before Borgogno placed a ball perfectly to left field to drive in the run.
However, the real fun began in the seventh, as the Titans struck for five runs on five hits to break the game wide open and go up 7-0.
Grand Canyon put up a three spot in the eighth to bring the final to 7-3.
The Titans will try and clinch the series win tomorrow at 6 pm PT.
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