MESA, Ariz. – A plethora of new Titans got some much-needed experience, as Fullerton and Arizona played 22 innings of baseball in a fall exhibition, Sunday out at Sloan Park in Mesa. The Wildcats outscored the Titans 17-13 on the day, while Arizona won the first 11 innings 12-9 and the second 11 by the score of 5-4.
Fullerton struck first in both contests and saw some encouraging outings from a bunch of different players.
Offensively, Sahid Valenzuela led the way through the first 11 frames, as he went 2-for-5 from the dish with two RBI. Daniel Cope also had himself a day, going 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBI, a double and a run scored.
Hank LoForte went 2-for-5 with two runs scored to go along with an RBI and a triple, while Jacob Pavletich also had himself a multi-hit game with two runs scored.
Newcomers Jason Brandow and Jackson Lyon also had solid showings, as each collected knocks and drove in runs.
On the pitching side of things, it was Michael Knorr stealing the show, pitching 2.0 strong shutout innings. Jimmy Endersby and Matthew Sanchez came through with a shutout inning each.
The second 11 innings saw a new cast of Titan starters and some more positive performances.
Newcomer Zach Lew went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a walk and a double. Isaiah Garcia also had himself a multi-hit night, going 2-or-4 at the dish and being hit by a pitch. Cody Minnis went 2-for-3, while Jairus Richards also went 2-for-3 with a walk to round out the multi hit performances.
The pitching staff was excellent in the second 11-frame stretch, as Tanner Bibee began the contest by pitching 2.0 scoreless frames while delivering a punch out and surrendering just one hit. Evan Larson came through with the most impressive outing of any Titan pitcher, as he tossed 3.0 shut down frames to go along with three strikeouts in his first outing since recovering from Tommy John Surgery.
Dillon Brown and Landon Anderson were both excellent as well, as each tossed 2.0 scoreless frames. In fact, six of Fullerton's seven pitchers threw up zeros on the scoreboard.
Fullerton will close out its fall schedule at home, as it'll host New Mexico State on Saturday at noon PT out at Goodwin Field. Admission is free for all fans.
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