Lasers defeat Hornets in CCCAA conference game
Christian Abe shuts out Fullerton from scoring any runs. (Adam Kolvites)
Irvine Valley College Lasers starting pitcher, Christian Abe led the baseball team to a shutout victory Tuesday afternoon at a home game, against the Fullerton Hornets 2-0.
The Lasers fresh off a 3-0 win against Saddleback on Saturday rolled into Tuesday’s game with a positive mentality.
With this win, it improves both the Lasers overall season record 7-8 and conference record 2-1, defeating the CCCAA 12th ranked Fullerton Hornets who would gain a loss on their 9-6 season record and fall to 1-2 in conference.
Starting right-handed-pitcher Abe managed to strong hand the Hornets, throwing a complete game shutout. Abe struck out three batters, allowed six hits, walking three earning his first win this season improving his pitching record to 1-2.
Pitcher Juan Berumen sat down seven of the Lasers with strikeouts, let up two runs on four hits with one error, while offensively the Hornets earned six hits.
Irvine Head Coach Kent Madole commented, “We really need to work on our offense… better approach to the plate.”
During the top of the third inning Lasers’ pitcher Abe was what appeared to be injured on the mound after a hit up the middle of the field. He managed to overcome the pain, was cleared by an athletic trainer, and continued to pitch the rest of the game.
The Lasers offense scored their first run in the bottom of the third with a RBI single from Brady Zinsser, knocking in designated hitter Dylan Saunders.
Irvine’s third baseman, Daniel Poe played a solid game defensively and offensively. Poe snagged a low screaming line drive in the top of the fifth inning then executed a playbook 5-4-3 double play in the top of the sixth inning, with help of second baseman, Dallas Porter and stretched first baseman, Andrew De La Riva. At the plate Poe went 1-3, with a line drive single to center during the bottom of the seventh, then was batted in by right fielder, Taran Tani to secure the lead 2-0.
During the top of the seventh right fielder, Taran Tani reacted quickly to a Hornets base runner, who did not tag up when he caught a one out fly ball and then quickly relayed it to second base for a double play.
The Hornets had some walks, and a sacrifice bunt, in the top of the ninth, which caused the bases to be loaded. Abe fought off the Hornets ninth inning comeback until the very last pitch with a full count, two outs strikeout to sit down Alan Willes for the Laser victory.
Irvine only earned one error against the Hornets, and offensively stole five bases.
Poe, says the team “… stayed fundamentally sound … stuck to the plan …” resulting in another win.
Lasers next game is away at Cypress, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 7th.
Third baseman, Poe hits a line drive single to center field. (Adam Kolvites)
Designated hitter, Dylan Saunders safely steals second base. (Adam Kolvites)