FULLERTON, Calif. - The 2021 season started unlike any other as the Titans learned about playing their opponent less than 48 hours before first pitch. However, the team did not seem to be phased as they defeated Utah 3-1 Saturday night at Goodwin Field. 

Head Coach @rick_vanderhook on tonight's win over Utah. #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/Wyg00uywKF

— Titans Baseball (@FullertonBSB) February 21, 2021

The Titans came out determined to play an all around game. Tanner Bibee set the tone on the mound as he went six innings, allowing just one hit and giving up an unearned run while striking out 11 batters, tying his career high. Through 5.1 innings, Bibee was throwing a perfect game before walking a batter and giving up a hit in the sixth. 

First-year transfer Jake Harvey made his presence felt in his Titans debut, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk and the Titans first run of the 2021 season. Isaiah Garcia got Harvey across the dish in the first inning to give the Titans a lead on a RBI triple to left-center. Garcia had a strong night, going 2-for-4 with the aforementioned RBI. 

Josh Urps didn't record a hit Saturday night but battled on every at-bat, leading to three walks while recording an RBI on a sacrifice fly to drive in Jason Brandow. Connor Caden drove in the third run of the night on a well executed bunt in the seventh inning to score Urps from third and give the Titans a two run lead. 

Michael Knorr relieved Bibee in the seventh inning and picked up right where the Titans ace left off. Knorr went three innings, striking out five batters while allowing just one hit on his way to picking up the save. 

The Titans are back on the field tomorrow for game two against Utah at Goodwin Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT.

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