BASEBALL SPORTS SHORTS 2008–
(Latest baseball shorts will be at the top of the section. Scroll down to check out past results. Tournament games do not count toward win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for baseball features)

For the 07-08 schedule or standings and stats, click on Maxpreps.com. FC finished 12-12-1 overall and 3-5 in the Northwest Sierra League as of May 15.

BASEBALL 2008
VISITING EAGLES FALL IN SEASON FINALE–May 15
As the Eagles struggled offensively and defensively, No. 3 Bakersfield Christian closed the door on FC’s playoff dreams and their season in a 0-24 win, May 15.

Second baseman Coleton Hutchins, ’08, led off the top of the first inning with a single up the middle. A popped up bunt resulted in a double play, sending shortstop Matthias Westfall, ’09, to the plate with no runners on base. Westfall grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning.

From the start of the game, FC pitching struggled to find the strike zone. When they did, Bakersfield put the ball in play and forced FC to make plays defensively.

In two and a third innings pitched, junior Jordan Lowery gave up eight runs on four hits and struck out two. Senior Ronnie Giannetta relieved Lowery for one and two-thirds innings and started the fifth inning. Freshman Stowe Empereur and junior Dustin McDonald pitched the final two innings.

Bakersfield scored 24 runs off four FC pitchers while shutting out the visiting Eagles.

Hutchins led FC’s offense with two seeing-eye singles and beat out a slow roller to the third baseman. Sophomore Andrew McCormick had the Eagles’ last hit, a single down the right field line.

Amidst the disappointment of the game, head coach Rich Sorenson expressed his amazement at the overall progress the team made.

“From where we were as a team at the beginning of the season to now is a great improvement,” Sorenson said. “We have improved in every facet of the game.”

In his first year on the coaching staff, assistant coach Mike Mendrin believes the baseball program has a good foundation for years to come.

“Next year, we will have several guys returning to play”, Mendrin said. “The experience they gained not only in playoffs, but also in the season will carry over next season. Hopefully, we will be on the opposite side of games like this next season.”

UNDERDOG EAGLES MAKE STATEMENT IN WIN–May 13
For the second time this season, the Eagles were delayed in transit suspending the start time for half an hour. Amidst the distractions, the No. 11 seeded Eagles stunned the host No. 6 Firebaugh in a 7-4 victory in the first round of playoffs, May 13.

In the top of the first, starting pitcher Matthias Westfall, ’09, started a two-out rally followed by a single to left off the bat of center fielder Daniel Kingen, ’09. While FC failed to capitalize on the scoring opportunity, each batter in the inning put the ball in play.

Westfall pitched a near flawless inning, allowing a double to left center as lone Firebaugh hit.

Juniors Jordan Lowery and Trent Souza hit back-to-back doubles to lead off the second. Souza scored on a sacrifice by senior Andrew Biehler. An error and a four-pitch walk put two runners on base and both runners scored on a triple off the right field fence by Westfall. A throwing error by the first baseman allowed Westfall to score on the hit.

Despite hitting the Firebaugh lead-off batter and loading the bases with two outs, Westfall escaped with another scoreless inning on a ground out to Lowery at shortstop.

On a 1-1 pitch, catcher Riley Endicott, ’09, hit a single to left field. Lowery and Souza loaded the bases with an error and another four-pitch walk.

After Firebaugh retired two Eagle batters, second baseman Coleton Hutchins, ’08, took an 0-2 fastball over the first baseman for a two-out two RBI double.

Firebaugh began their comeback in the third inning scoring two runs and cutting down the deficit to 5 runs.

After a lead-off error that allowed a Firebaugh runner to reach first, Hutchins made a relief appearance. Hutchins allowed one hit and an unearned run before effectively closing the door on the opposing hitters.

Neither team scored for the remainder of the game as the Eagles shocked Firebaugh in a 7-4 victory.

EXTRA INNINGS ALLOW EAGLES TO RECAPTURE LEAD–May 9
Despite holding a lead for the majority of the game and losing it in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Eagles battled in the eighth inning to seal an 8-7 victory against Mendota Aztecs, May 9.

In their fourth meeting of the season, Mendota finally hosted a game against the Eagles and retired FC down in order in the first inning.

Despite walking the first two batters of the game, starting pitcher Jordan Lowery, ’09, escaped the home half of the first without allowing a run. Catcher Anthony Johnson, ’09, threw out his second base runner of the season and a double play ground out to first baseman Trent Souza, ’09, prevented the Aztecs a scoring opportunity.

A error by Mendota’s shortstop allowed Johnson to reach first base at the start of a five-run inning for the Eagles. The Eagles three hits in the inning came from: junior Daniel Kingen, Lowery and senior Coleton Hutchins.

With the wind’s strength increasing, Lowery faced five batters in the second inning before junior Dustin McDonald came in to relieve. McDonald salvaged the inning by retiring the final out, but not before the Aztecs scored three runs.

Both the Eagles and Aztecs added another run to their scores in the fourth and fifth innings respectively.

Down by two runs, Mendota made a comeback in the seventh inning against McDonald. After narrowing their deficit to one run with two outs, the Aztecs loaded the bases. A fly ball hit to right field was dropped allowing the tying run to score, but the Eagles escaped the inning without further damage.

Senior Andrew Biehler reached base on an infield single and advanced to third on a sacrifice by senior Ronnie Giannetta. Hutchins hit a go-ahead double over the third base bag and advanced to third on a throwing error.

FC attempted a squeeze play, but Hutchins was out at the plate.

McDonald hit a triple over the center fielder’s head and added another run to the Eagle’s lead on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the eighth after Mendota narrowed the lead to one run, the Aztecs loaded the bases with two outs and Giannetta on the mound. On a 2-2 pitch, Giannetta struck out the cleanup batter and sealed the 8-7 victory.

Head coach Rich Sorenson expressed his feelings towards the team’s resilience.

“I am extremely proud of the way the guys battled and refused to let their heads down,” Sorenson said. “The last inning and a half was like a playoff game. We need to play with that intensity come Tuesday.”

McDonald pitched five and two/thirds innings in his relief appearance, striking out one and hitting five batters.

Hutchins lead the Eagles’ offense with three singles and a double as McDonald added a single and a triple.

PLAYOFFS IN SIGHTS DESPITE LOSS–May 6
After a successful senior night against the Riverdale Cowboys, head coach Rich Sorenson encouraged his team to view their game against Fowler as the first round of playoffs. The team responded by getting an early lead and preventing the Redcats from controlling the game despite FC’s 3-7 loss, May 6.

FC jumped on the Redcats in the opening inning of play, as shortstop Coleton Hutchins, ’08, drew a full count walk, stole second and advanced to third on a flyout to centerfield. Hutchins scored on an errant throw attempting to record the third out at first base.

Starting pitcher Matthias Westfall, ’09, only needed seven pitches to retire Fowler’s top three batters, effectively protecting the one-run lead.

The lead was short-lived as the Redcats tied after a lead off hit-by-pitch. After reaching third, the baserunner scored on a groundout to third baseman Ronnie Giannetta, ’08.

Fowler capitalized on two balks in a three- run third inning while also hitting two doubles.

Juniors Daniel Kingen and Trent Souza both reached base to start the fourth inning. Kingen scored on a passed ball and Souza on a groundout to the first baseman by Giannetta.

The Redcats put up another three-run inning, this time in the fifth inning to extend their lead to 7-3.

Through five innings, Westfall recorded seven hits against the potent Redcat offense. Giannetta pitched a scoreless inning of relief in the sixth, seating Fowler down in order.

Kingen lead the Eagles’ offense with two hits in four at-bats.

Fowler used four pitchers to keep FC’s offense from making a comeback. Among the pitchers were: Brandon Martinez, ’09, Josh Poytress, ’08, Ryan Nabaldian, ’10, and Jesse Darrah, ’08.

“I am very proud with our approach at the plate against Poytress,” Sorenson said. “We did not let him faze us at the plate and battled him for the two innings he pitched. It’s not often that a team scores two earned runs on him in a game, let alone an inning.”

Sorenson feels the team did not play intimidated by the Redcats and a few minor changes may have altered the end result.

“There were five main instances where we as a team could have changed the game’s outcome,” Sorenson said. “From missed outs to aggressive base running, little things like that completely adjust our game plan.”

As the team awaits their playoff seeding, determined May 10, they anticipate a tough game against the Mendota Aztecs, May 9. FC has won all three meetings this season against the Aztecs.

SENIORS DOMINATE RIVERDALE ON SENIOR NIGHT–May 2
While Eagles held a slim lead for the majority of the game, their offense awoke in the sixth inning of a 15-5 victory over the Riverdale Cowboys, May 2.

In the finally home game of his FC career, senior Coleton Hutchins took the mound and gave up one run in the top of the first inning.

FC came back during their at-bats, batting through the line up once and scoring four runs.

Hutchins gave up one run in each of the first five innings of play. But the Eagle offense prevented the Cowboys from taking the lead, scoring four more runs of their own.

Junior Dustin McDonald initiated a seven-run sixth inning with a bloop single to center field. FC sent 12 batters to the plate, drew four walks and three hits in the inning.

With two outs in the top of the seventh, a Riverdale base runner attempted to score from third on an dropped ball by Hutchins in-between pitches. Hutchins and catcher Anthony Johnson, ’09, picked off the runner to end the game.

McDonald lead FC’s offense with his two singles, while Matthias Westfall, ’09, hit a triple to left center field.

Hutchins had a season-high five strikeouts in his complete game 15-5 victory.

As the Eagles enter the final week of regular season play, head coach Rich Sorenson anticipates a raised sense of urgency during practice and games.

“We need to play the final two games with playoff intensity,” Sorenson said.

EAGLES FALL TO CARUTHERS IN ONE-RUN GAME–April 29
While the Eagles hoped to win their season series against the Caruthers Blue Raiders, but fell 1-0, April 29.

From the start of the game, the Eagles offense struggled to string multiple hits together and stranded one runner on base.

Despite a persistent wind blowing to dead center, starting pitcher Matthias Westfall’s, ’09, pitch location was flawless. In his first two innings pitched, Westfall faced six batters, and picked off three base runners.

Caruthers finally broke the scoreless game after drawing a walk in the third inning. After advancing on a stolen base and a balk, the runner scored on a sacrifice fly to center field.

FC loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth inning, but two popouts and a strikeout abruptly ended the scoring threat.

“We have to take advantage of our scoring opporunities,” head coach Rich Sorenson said.” With bases loaded and no outs, all we need is a little dribbler to the second baseman and we score a run. We just tried to do too much with the ball.”

Despite losing the game, the Eagles’ playoff hopes are still alive. FC must win two of their final three games, two of which are played off campus.

EAGLES STUMBLE AT START OF SECOND HALF LEAGUE PLAY–April 25
The success of the Eagles’ previous two games failed to transfer into league play as FC lost to Liberty-Madera Ranchos, 17-2, April 25.

Starting pitcher Jordan Lowery, ’09, gave up back-to-back singles to start the game, as Liberty scored two runs in the top of the first inning. One of the Hawk players was ejected after getting caught in a pickle and attempting to jar the ball out of catcher Anthony Johnson’s, ’09, hands.

FC cut the deficit in half with shortstop Coleton Hutchins’, ’08, bloop single to center with one out and later scored on a wild pitch.

Liberty continued to pick apart the Eagles’ defense, scoring four more runs on a two-run single and an RBI triple.

In his first at-bat of the game, first baseman Trent Souza, ’09, took a 1-1 pitch over the center field fence. Despite the wind blowing towards home from the outfield, Souza’s line drive easily cleared the fence.

Senior Ronnie Giannetta relieved Lowery in the fourth inning and was replaced by Stow Empeurer, ’11, in the fifth.

The Eagles’ defense was unsuccessful in maintaining the four-run margin, committing six errors in the fourth and fifth innings. The Hawks capitalized on the misplayed balls with 11 runs.

While the Eagles’ playoff hopes are still alive, assistant coach Mike Mendrin acknowledges a changes needs to take place.

“Today was a step backwards,” Mendrin said. “There’s not much you can say of the game because its 17-2. We need to come back next week wanting to overcome today.”

EAGLES SEND RECORD OVER .500–April 22
In their previous meeting at the season opener, the Eagles defeated the Tranquillity Tigers 16-0. This time, FC improved upon their score by one run and extended their win streak to 2 against the Tigers, April 22.

FC wasted little time getting on the board as shortstop Coleton Hutchins, ’08, hit a one out double to left center and became FC’s first run of the game. Starting pitcher Matthias Westfall, ’09, helped his cause with an RBI and later scored on catcher Anthony Johnson’s single to left. Before Tranquillity even picked up a bat, the Eagles held a 3-0 lead.

Throughout his three innings pitched, Westfall baffled the Tiger hitters accumulating nine strikeouts. Westfall also hit a batter and walked another, both in the third inning.

The Eagles continued to bolster their lead scoring six runs in the inning complimented by a two-run double by right fielder Dustin McDonald, ’09, and an RBI double by second baseman Riley Endicott, ’10.

Senior Ronnie Giannetta a two-inning relief appearance, striking out four batters and walking two. Giannetta allowed a one-out hit in the fifth inning.

FC added seven more runs in the third and four innings, compiling a 16 run lead and a shutout victory.

McDonald lead the Eagles’ offense with his three hits in four at-bats while Johnson added two hits in three at-bats.

Head coach Rich Sorenson appreciates the way his team has come around in the final weeks of the season.

“Today we came out and did what we needed to do,” Sorenson said. “From this game though, we need to work on changing our approach batting when a left-hander is on the mound. Since the ball more than likely will be tailing away for right-handed batters, we need to be thinking right center.”

AVENAL NO MATCH FOR EAGLES’ OFFENSE–April 18
Despite an early deficit to the Avenal Buccaneers, the Eagles’ offense punished Avenal’s pitching in a 16-4 victory, April 18.

In his second start of the season, starting pitcher Coleton Hutchins, ’08, struggled with his control. Missed pitch locations allowed Avenal to jump out to an 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Fortunately for the Eagles, their offense was in full stride from the start and scored five runs as they batted through their lineup in the bottom half of the inning.

With a comfortable lead, Hutchins settled down on the mound and allowed two earned runs in four innings, struck out three batters and walked one.

Each inning, FC added to their lead with the exception of the fourth.

Reliever Dustin McDonald made a two-inning relief appearance, allowing one run and striking out one batter.

As if a 10-run lead was not sufficient, junior Jordan Lowery connected for a two-run home run in the fifth inning as one of his four hits for the game.

Ace Matthias Westfall, ’09, threw a scoreless seventh to seal the Eagles’ 16-4 victory.

As the regular season comes to a close, head coach Rich Sorenson holds a positive outlook for the team’s playoff future.

“No one is going to want to face us in the playoffs,” Sorenson said. “We can beat people several different ways and we have nothing to lose.”

Riley Endicott, ’10, and Daniel Kingen, ’09, had two hits a piece, while Hutchins added four hits and five steals.

EAGLES SLOW REDCATS BUT OFFENSE SPUTTERS IN LOSS–April 15
A brilliant outing by starting pitcher Jordan Lowery, ’09, was not sufficient to overcome the Redcats in a 5-1 loss to Fowler, April 15.

“Jordan threw a whale of a game today,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “He challenged their batters when he needed to and he deserved more than one run from our offense.”

Fowler jumped out to an early lead scoring one run in the first inning and two runs in the second and third.

Despite getting runners on base in six out of the seven innings, FC only scored one run and left 12 runners on base.

“We were in that game from the start,” Sorenson said. “A few more timely hits and just putting the bat on the ball with runners in scoring position and that’s a different ball game.”

After a leadoff single by second baseman Riley Endicott, ’10, a base hit to left by right fielder Andrew Biehler, ’08, scored Endicott, the Eagles’ lone run.

In the home half of the seventh inning, the Eagles loaded the bases with no outs but failed to score. Shortstop Coleton Hutchins, ’08, drew a 1-2 count hit-by-pitch, his second of the game. Juniors Matthias Westfall, third baseman, and Anthony Johnson, catcher, both drew full count walks, but three consecutive strikeouts ended the threat.

“In that situation, our batters need to change their approach and put the bat head on the ball,” Sorenson said. “If we do that twice, we’re in a 5-2, 5-3 ball game and we can do something different from there.”

While the game ended in a 5-1 loss, Sorenson feels his team recognized more of their potential.

“Today we realized as a team that the gap between ourselves and Fowler is not that far off,” Sorenson said. “They are the best Division IV team in the Valley, and we were in the game from the start.”

Fowler pitched their top two pitchers, Brandon Martinez, ’09, and Jesse Darrah, ’08, with Martinez opening the game and Darrah closing what had the potential to slip away.

EAGLES CLAIM CHUKCHANSI AS SECOND HOME IN VICTORY–April 12
Consecutive complete games by FC’s starting pitchers fueled the 16-4 victory over the Riverdale Cowboys, April 12. Instead of playing the league match at Riverdale, the Cowboys hosted the game at Chukchansi Park, the home of the Fresno Grizzlies.

With two down in the bottom of the first inning, FC jumped out to an early lead. Juniors Matthias Westfall, drew a walk, and Anthony Johnson, doubled down the left field line, both scored to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead.

Westfall controlled the game from the start, baffling Riverdale’s hitters and shutout the Cowboys for the opening three innings.

The Eagles pounced on the Cowboys’ pitching in the second inning, scoring seven runs and sending 12 batters to the plate.

“Our approach at the plate was excellent,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “We showed discipline at the plate and did not help out their pitchers by swinging at bad pitches.”

Riverdale made an attempt to comeback in the fourth scoring three runs before Westfall retired the final out with a ground out to the pitcher.

The Cowboys’ comeback was short lived as the No. 1, 2 and 3 batters for the Eagles sparked a two-out rally. Center fielder Daniel Kingen, ’09, hit a single up the middle. Shortstop Coleton Hutchins, ’08, executed a hit-and-run play with a triple in the left field gap, while Westfall hit a double to right field.

FC added three more runs in the seventh and the Cowboys squeezed out another run as the final score rounded out to 16-4 in favor of the Eagles.

“Riverdale has really improved in recent years especially from last season,” assistant coach Bill McGowen said. “But the guys played FC baseball and the improvement of the other team did not show in the scoreboard.”

Five Eagle batters got multiple hits with Hutchins and Johnson both with three hits a piece.

Approximately 50 FC fans supported the Eagles in their victory. Later during the Grizzlies’ game against the Tucson Sidewinders, the FC baseball team were recognized on the field before the game. The Grizzlies are the San Francisco Giants’ AAA affiliate.

EAGLES SHOW CARUTHERS DIFFERENT TEAM IN VICTORY–April 8
In their previous meeting at the Fowler tournament which FC committed 14 errors, the Blue Raiders expected an easy victory. However, solid defense, effective pitching and the offense in full stride, the Eagles easily evened their league record with a 9-1 win over Caruthers, April 8.

A pre-game scratch gave senior Coleton Hutchins his first start on the mound and moved catcher Riley Endicott, ’10, to second base.

Hutchins struggled early to hit his spots as Caruthers hit the ball firmly in the first inning. But the Eagles picked up their pitcher by making flawless defensive plays for a scoreless first inning.

“It is a great comfort to a pitcher to know my defense is going to make the plays,” Hutchins said. “It also gives us confidence to challenge batters because we know our defense is going to pick us up if we miss our spot.”

The Blue Raiders got on the board early in the second after Hutchins allowed two singles up the middle, but FC tied the game in the bottom half of the inning.

With one runner on in the fourth inning, first baseman Trent Souza, ’09, sent a 1-1 fastball soaring over the left field fence for a two-run home run and the lead.

“I just got the new bat recently and this was my first hit with it,” Souza said. “It was a great feeling after the contact and I was telling myself ‘woohoo’ as I rounded the bases.”

FC added three more runs each in the fifth and sixth innings extending their lead to eight runs. At the game’s conclusion, FC evened their league record at 1-1 with a 9-2 victory.

In the one-run complete game, Hutchins threw 83 pitches, recorded two strikeouts and 12 groundouts.

“Hutchins pitched very well for his first start of the season,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “When you throw strikes and get ground balls as a pitcher, your defense stays in the game. If we limit our errors and play tough the whole game, we are a tough team to beat.”

ACCIDENT DELAYS GAME AGAINST LIBERTY-MADERA RANCHOS–April 4
Before leaving school for the league opener at Liberty-Madera Ranchos, a bus delay kept the team in the parking lot. The 45 minutes waiting created just enough of a distraction and the Eagles lost, 8-0, April 4.

FC successfully got runners on base five out of the seven innings of play, but were unable to capitalize with timely hits.

The game’s start time was pushed back 20 minutes and starting pitcher Matthias Westfall’s left a few pitches up in the strikezone, resulting in 5 first inning runs for Liberty.

With two outs in the first, senior Ronnie Giannetta made the relief appearance, effectively frustrating the Hawk batters.

“Ronnie did an excellent job of coming in and taking control of a tough situation,” head coach Rich Sorenson said.

Giannetta finished the game with five and one third innings pitched, six hits, three runs and three strikeouts.

FC’s offense left eight runners on base and did not get a runner past second base.

“We can’t win games if we can’t hit the ball and put it in play,” Sorenson said. “Once we get runners on base, it is imperative that we don’t leave the on by hitting them in.”

HOMER SPRINGBOARDS EAGLES OFFENSE TO VICTORY–April 1
In their third meeting of the season, the Eagles once again defeated the Mendota Aztecs, this time, 12-11, in their final at-bats, April 1.

Mendota dominated the first two innings of play, scoring 6 runs off starting pitcher Jordan Lowery, ’09, while also scattering eight hits.

FC began to claw back with two runs in the bottom of the third after a line drive up the middle by senior Ronnie Giannetta and a hit-by-pitch by junior Dustin McDonald. Both runners later scored off of a fielder’s choice.

The Aztecs were unfazed by the comeback attempt and tacked on another five runs off FC’s reliever, McDonald, bringing the score to 11-2.

In the bottom of the fifth, senior Andrew Biehler started another rally with a lead off bloop single to right field. With one down, the Eagles’ next nine batters reached base, resulting in seven FC runs. The rally was highlighted by a three-run home run to left field by senior Coleton Hutchins.

“That home run by Hutchins really changed the game for us,” Mike Mendrin, assistant coach, said. “It really got the team psyched up, and renewed our determination in the game.”

McDonald silenced the Aztec batters for the final two innings, allowing FC’s offense to thrive.

“McDonald pitched superbly today,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “He came in with a huge deficit, but kept the team in the game and allowed the offense to get him the win.”

After lead off batter Daniel Kingen reached base, he advanced to third on two wild pitches, getting into scoring position. Kingen and shortstop Matthias Westfall, ’09, scored in the inning, tying the score at 11 runs.

With the game tied, left fielder Anthony Johnson, the winning run, advanced all the way to third and scored on a sacrifice fly to center, securing the 12-11 victory.

FC’s offense combined for 12 runs, nine hits, four hit-by-pitches and 11 runners left on base.

FC OPENS AT HOME WITH A LOSS–March 28
With nine games under their belt prior to the home opener, the FC Eagles hoped to even their record at .500. However, the visiting Firebaugh Eagles stole the show with their 5-0 victory, March 28.

Once again, starting pitcher Matthias Westfall, ’09, had a successful outing, but little offensive support left Westfall to fend for himself.

“Matthias had a very good game for us on the mound,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “In his last two outings, he deserved a more favorable outcome than he received.”

The calm attitude of sophomore catcher Riley Endicott allowed Westfall to refocus in times of trouble.

“It’s great having Riley behind the dish calling the game,” Westfall said. “When I start to rush, he slows me down and gets me settled down.”

Through seven innings, Westfall gave up one earned run, six hits and struck out nine.

FC scattered four hits highlighted by a lead-off triple by Trent Souza, ’09, to right field in the second inning.

FOWLER EASTER CLASSIC–March 15, 17, 18
ERRORS HAND EAGLES’ 9-4 LOSS TO CARUTHERS–March 18
The Eagles hoped to get their first meeting with league rivals, the Caruthers Blue Raiders, off to a good start, errors plagued FC in the 4-9 loss, March 18.

Despite starting pitcher Jordan Lowery’s, ’09, success getting the Blue Raiders to hit ground balls in the first inning, the Eagles committed six errors resulting in four Caruther’s runs.

“Our pitching today was absolutely phenomenal,” assistant coach Bill McGowen said. “Lowery has a few things to work on, but he pitched exceptionally well and got ground balls when we needed it most.”

FC’s offense continued to struggle as they only got two hits and one run in the opening two innings.

Lowery consistently frustrated the Blue Raider hitters in his four full innings of pitching, but left the game with a 8-1 deficit.

“It is hard to win a game when we commit 14 errors defensively,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “That being said, we are much closer to where we want to be then we know. We need to limit the mental mistakes and we will be competitive.”

Second baseman Coleton Hutchins, ’08, made another relief appearance and limited Caruthers to ground balls and fly balls directly at FC’s outfielders. Hutchins pitched two and two-thirds innings, recorded two strikeouts and gave up one run.

“Hutchins did a great job of shutting the door on the Caruthers hitters,” McGowen said. “He was not afraid to challenge hitters and he fits our closer role nicely.”

Junior Anthony Johnson lead the Eagles’ offense with three singles, a walk and one run scored.

Before the championship game, the Eagles will compete in the annual “Wheels Contest” and home run derby contest. Kingen will represent FC in the wheels competition and Hutchins in the derby.

SAME OLD STORY FOR EAGLES IN LOSS–March 17
Rocky first inning allows Washington Union to bury the Eagles, 19-2, March 17.

Despite putting the ball in play for 6 out of 9 batters, FC had three consecutive three up, three down innings.

After starting pitcher Ronnie Giannetta, ’08, struck out Washington’s leadoff batter, the runner advanced to second on a dropped third strike and a dead ball out of play. Washington sent eleven batters to the plate while scoring seven runs in the first.

In their second at-bats of the game, junior Daniel Kingen and senior Coleton Hutchins hit back-to-back home runs off different pitchers. The home run was Hutchins’ first career home run.

“I saw a fastball down the middle of the plate and knew I could do something with it,” Kingen said. “As soon as I made contact I said ‘See ya’ because I knew it wasn’t coming back.

In the bottom of the third, senior Anthony Wilson made his first relief appearance of the year.

Four batters later, Kingen replaced Wilson. Kingen pitched two innings allowing three hits and four runs.

“It is easy to look at the score and say we had a bad game,” assistant coach Bill McGowen said. “But today we had several people step up when they needed to. Kingen did an excellent job of shutting down the Washington hitters late in the game.”

With the score 19-2, the game was called due to the tournament’s mercy rule.

FIRST INNING BLUES HANDS EAGLES 14-0 LOSS–March 15
With less than 45 min. between games, FC was unable to shake-off their upset earlier in the morning. Fowler took advantage of the Eagles in the first inning and won 14-0, March 15.

Nerves from starting pitcher Stowe Empereur, ’11, enabled the Redcats to score seven runs in the first inning.

“I definitely had some nerve problems today,” Empereur said. “I allowed Fowler to get in my head and I was unable to find my spots early in the count.”

With only two outs in the inning, head coach Rich Sorenson replaced Empereur with sophomore Riley Endicott. Endicott retired the Redcats with flyouts to right and center fields.

Offensively, the Eagles never sent more than five batters to the plate and stranded three runners in scoring position on base. Endicott led the Eagles with one hit and a walk in two at-bats.

While Endicott successfully got FC through the second and third innings, an arm-injury limited him to only one-third of the fourth.

As the injury warranted another pitcher for the Eagles, Sorenson called upon second baseman Coleton Hutchins, ’08, to finish the game. Hutchins pitched one and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief while allowing no base hits.

Fowler’s early offense suffocated FC from the start as the Redcats held on to their 14-0 victory.

The game was called after the five innings due to the tournament’s 2 hrs and 15 min. time limit.

OFFENSE FAILS TO SUPPORT PICTHING– March 15
While FC got a one-run lead in the third inning, the defense was unsuccessful in maintaining the lead in the Eagles’ 1-3 loss to the Lindsay Cardinals, March 15.

After two quiet innings for FC, sophomore Riley Endicott ignited a two-out rally with a bloop single to right field. The Eagles strung together two more hits and a walk to score the first run of the game.

“Riley did a great job of putting the bat on the ball,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “His extra batting practice after the team’s practice really showed some dividends today.”

Starting pitcher Matthias Westfall kept the Cardinals’ bats quiet for the first three innings.

However in the fourth, some base hits that squeezed through the infield and throwing errors by the Eagles broke the 1-0 shutout. Lindsay not only tied the score, but went ahead by a run on a throwing error.

Throughout the Eagles following at-bats, they were unable to string together sufficient offense to score. The end result left FC down 1-3.

Westfall’s game totals were six innings pitched, four hits allowed, one walk and three runs.

“Matthias threw great today and he did not deserve the outcome,” Sorenson said. “When you hold a team to four hits, none of which were very hard, you expect to get the win. Defensively, we have to make plays for our pitcher and get dirty every once in a while.”

ROUGH RIDERS ROUGH-UP EAGLES FOR FIRST LOSS–March 11
The lofty expectations FC held for their rematch against Roosevelt shattered in the Eagles’ 1-13 loss, March 11.

In their meeting last season, FC pulled out the win in their final at-bats and won by one run. However, the Rough Riders returned with a vengeance and pounded the Eagles pitching.

A line-up change by head coach Rich Sorenson moved Daniel Kingen, ’09, to third and senior Coleton Hutchins filled the role as lead-off. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to adjust as FC was retired in order.

After a successful save the game prior, junior Dustin McDonald was awarded the starting pitcher role. On his second pitch of the game, McDonald sacrificed a base hit up the middle and allowed two runs in the first inning.

With senior Andrew Biehler on first base, FC broke the shutout in the third inning with a triple off Hutchins’ bat over the right fielder’s head.

Kingen threatened to score again in the fourth inning after beating out an infield single to the shortstop by a foot. After advancing to third, Kingen was left on base as FC struckout three times.

The Rough Riders put the game out of reach in the fifth inning, scoring seven runs off an Eagle relief pitcher. At the end of the game, Roosevelt crushed FC 13-1.

The normally potent Eagle offense poked the Rough Riders’ pitcher for three hits in seven innings.

The Eagles will next play a double header in the Fowler Easter Baseball Classic, March 15. Their first game against Lindsay starts at 9 A.M. in Fowler.

FARMERSVILLE BASEBALL CLASSIC–March 1, 4, 8
MENDOTA NO MATCH FOR EAGLES PITCHING–March 8
After coming back to tie Parlier earlier in the day, the Eagles won the Farmersville Classic with a 5-2 win over the Mendota Aztecs, March 8.

As the No. 1 seed in the tournament, starting pitcher Matthais Westfall, ’09, and the Eagles were awarded home field advantage. Westfall got FC off to a solid start with a scoreless top of the first and recorded a strikeout.

Like the previous game, second baseman Coleton Hutchins, ’08, reached base on a walk with one out. After advancing to third on two stolen bases, Hutchins scored off a single between the third baseman and shortstop by junior Trent Souza.

Two runners reached base for the Aztecs and later scored, to give Mendota a 2-1 advantage.

FC retaliated with a walk by Anthony Johnson, ’09, and an over-thrown bunt by senior Andrew Biehler. Both runners scored later in the inning to return a one-run lead to the Eagles’ favor.

While adding another run for FC in the bottom of the third, Westfall did not allow another run in the top of the third and fourth innings for Mendota.

With two outs, junior Daniel Kingen reached base after his fly ball in shallow center fell amidst three Aztec fielders. Kingen scored on a line drive triple by Hutchins that settled near the left centerfield fence.

Head coach Rich Sorenson put Stowe Empereur, ’11, in at pitcher to relief Westfall. Empereur threw two scoreless innings and allowed only two hits, one in each inning.

“Stowe did a great job on the hill,” Andrew Biehler, ’08, said. “As a freshman playing against juniors and seniors, he competed every pitch. To throw two scoreless innings against a good Mendota team was great.”

Junior Dustin McDonald made a relief appearance for FC and despite giving up a walk, shut down Mendota and sealed the Eagles’ victory.

“Dustin stepped up big time for us in the top of the fifth,” Sorenson said. “He was not afraid to challenge hitters and got us some ground balls to make plays on. That’s exactly what we needed him to do.”

Confidence in his teammates allowed McDonald to focus on the task at hand.

“My team needed me to stop Mendota in the last inning,” McDonald said. “I knew that we have a good defense, so I just went out their and did my job.”

While success followed the Eagles throughout the tournament, assistant coach Jarred Wood feels the team has not met their potential.

“We have yet to put a complete game were our pitching, defense and offense all clicked,” Wood said. “Once we put it all together, we will be a very dangerous team when it happens.”

EAGLES ADVANCE TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AFTER 5-5 TIE–March 8
Despite giving up 5 runs in the first two innings, the Eagles’ pitching quieted the Parlier Panther’s bats in a 5-5 tie, March 8. FC will play for the championship of the Farmersville Classic later today against Mendota.

Senior Ronnie Giannetta made his second start on the mound for the Eagles in the Farmersville Baseball Classic. After giving up a lead-off single up the middle, Giannetta retired the next three bats allowing one run.

With one out in the bottom of the first inning, senior Coleton Hutchins knocked a line drive that one-hopped the left field fence for a triple. Junior Jordan Lowery recorded the RBI with his sacrifice fly to deep centerfield.

Giannetta fell behind batters late in Parlier’s line-up as the Panthers regained and padded their lead. At the end of the half inning, Parlier led 5-1.

As a batter, Giannetta helped his cause with a lead-off single to centerfield. Junior Trent Souza followed with a walk after working the count to three balls, two strikes. Both runners eventually scored in the inning, bringing the score to 5-3.

Parlier’s first two batters reached base before head coach Rich Sorenson made a pitching change sending Lowery to the mound. Lowery got out of the inning with two strikeouts and a groundout to second.

“The way Lowery stepped in today on the mound was great,” Sorenson said. “He was able to keep the Parlier batters on their heels with his curveball and consistently hit his spots.”

The Eagles continued their comeback with a bloop single over the second baseman’s head by junior Matthias Westfall. After advancing to third with two stolen bases, Westfall took advantage of a wild pitch to bring the score to 5-4.

Lowery appeared even better in his second inning of relief as he sat the Panther’s top of the line-up down in order.

“Parlier got ahead quickly and our starting pitcher was struggling,” Lowery said. “I knew I needed to step up when I pitched, so I did and it worked.”

The Eagles were unable to capitalize on a baserunner on third with one out and the score remained 5-4 Panthers after four innings.

Similar to his single two innings prior, Westfall blooped another single to reach base, this time over the shortstop’s head. Westfall later scored off a base hit to center by Souza.

The game was called due to the tournament’s two-hour time limit and the Eagles advanced to the championship game against Mendota.

Despite the tie, sophomore Riley Endicott feels confident that the team would have pulled out the victory in the final inning of play.

“We definitely had the momentum on our side,” Endicott said. “Our pitching had shut the Panthers out for three innings and we continued to score each inning. If we played one more, I know we would have pulled out the victory.”

Westfall lead the Eagles’ offense with two singles in three at-bats while both Hutchins and Souza got one hit in one at-bat.

Lowery pitched three scoreless innings and recorded four strikeouts.

BIG INNING ALMOST COSTS FC THE GAME–March 4
Much like their previous games, the Eagles’ offense gave the pitching staff a comfortable lead. FC allowed a 7-run inning, but shutdown the Strathmore Spartans for a 9-8 victory, March 4.

Once again, Daniel Kingen, ’09, provided the Eagles with power at the top of the line-up with his first inning triple to right center. Juniors Trent Souza and Anthony Johnson both singled and scored in the Eagles’ 4-run first. Ronnie Giannetta, ’08, had a triple in the inning, but did not score.

In his second pitching appearance of the season, freshman Stowe Empereur took the mound as the starting pitcher. In his three innings, Empereur saw the minimum of nine batters and struck out four batters.

With one out in the top of the second, Kingen and senior Coleton Hutchins hit back-to-back triples scoring FC’s only runs of the inning. Hutchins scored on his base hit over the left fielder’s head after the ball fell out of the catcher’s mitt with a play at home.

FC’s final three runs came in the third when juniors Jordan Lowery, and Dustin McDonald, ’09, scored on senior Andrew Biehler’s grounder to third. Biehler later scored off a double to left center field by Kingen.

After allowing one run in the bottom of the fourth, sophomore Riley Endicott and the Eagles defense gave up seven runs to the Spartans in Endicott’s second inning of relief. Hutchins replaced Endicott and stopped the bleeding with a fly out to left fielder Mathais Westfall, ’09.

In the bottom of the sixth, Hutchins sat the Spartans down in order with a groundout, strikeout looking, and a ground out to shortstop Lowery. Souza scooped Lowery’s throw out of the dirt to seal the Eagles’ third straight victory.

“As a first baseman, we have to be ready to dig the ball out of the dirt on every throw,” Souza said. “I was nervous when I saw the ball heading lower than usual, but I was really excited to help us by making the grab.”

The duo of Kingen and Hutchins accounted for five of the eight total hits in the game.

FIRST DAY PROMISES FUTURE SUCCESS WITH IMPRESSIVE WIN–March 1
While the opposing pitchers partially quieted the Eagles’ bats, FC still pounded the Mendota Aztecs for a 9-3 victory, March 1.

Junior Matthias Westfall started a two-out rally with a four-pitch walk as the Eagles scored in the top of the first inning.

The one-run lead was more than enough for starting pitcher Ronnie Giannetta, ’08, as he faced one more than the minimum batters in the bottom of the first.

FC started a three-run second inning when sophomore Riley Endicott drew a walk after battling in an 8-pitch at-bat. The Eagles recorded two hits in the inning: a bunt-single by Giannetta and a three-run home run to straight away center by junior Daniel Kingen.

After a line drive past Kingen in center field, the Eagles defense prevented an Aztec batter from scoring with their perfectly executed double-cut from right-center to home.

Giannetta threw five innings allowing three hits and two runs. The third Aztec run was unearned.

FC added two more runs in the final two innings highlighted by Giannetta’s opposite-field triple. With the extra runs, the Eagles ended the game with a final score of 9-3.

The positive outing for the Eagles left head coach Rich Sorenson pointing to the mindset the team brought to the field.

“The baseball program has had the mindset that we aren’t as good as the other teams in our league for too long,” Sorenson said. “Today, we left that idea in the past and were determined to win from the beginning.”

Assistant coach Jared Wood praised the Eagles offense and team play in their double header.

“We scored 23 runs, while only giving up three,” Wood said. “I also saw many guys give up at-bats for the benefit of the team which was a real encouragement.”

Despite the success, Sorenson emphasized that the team’s transformation was not complete.

“There are still a lot of things that we need to work on,” Sorenson said. “We saw some of those things today, but if the guys continue to work hard, we will be where we want to be soon.”

EAGLES SHUT DOWN TRANQUILLITY IN VICTORY–March 1
With the loss of five seniors last season, the Eagles’ offense more than made up for the lost talent in their 15-0 win over the Tranquillity Tigers, March 1.

As the home team, starting pitcher Mathias Westfall, ’09, retired the Tigers in order with two strikeouts and a runner caught stealing.

Junior Daniel Kingen lead off the game with a triple over the left fielder’s head. Kingen later scored on a fielder’s choice on a ground ball by fellow junior Anthony Johnson. FC sent 13 batters to the plate in the first and held a 9-0 lead at the end of the first.

Westfall continued to shutdown Tranquillity’s hitters and recorded six strikeouts and no hits in three innings.

FC extended their lead in a 6-run third, started by senior Andrew Biehler’s grounder to the third baseman. Biehler’s hustle down the line rushed the Tiger’s third baseman causing an overthrow. Kingen and junior Trent Souza both doubled for the Eagles in the inning, while Jordan Lowery, ’09, hit a triple to left.

Junior Dustin McDonald and freshman Stowe Empereur both pitched a scoreless inning for the Eagles.

Five Eagles scored multiple runs with Kingen and senior Coleton Hutchins both scoring three runs each.

The Eagles had six hits, drew threw walks and left three runners on base in their 15-0 shutout through four and one half innings.