BASEBALL SPORTS SHORTS 2009–
(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 2008-09 schedule or standings and stats, click on Maxpreps.com.

BASEBALL 2009
EAGLES CONCLUDE SEASON IN 2ND ROUND OF PLAYOFFS–May 22
The FC baseball team ended their season strong, battling Liberty-Madera Ranchos in the 2nd round of the playoff, falling 10-6, May 22.

Junior second-baseman, Aaron Hedrick led the Eagles going 2 for 3 with a double and scoring 2 runs. Senior Trent Souza and junior Tim Miller both went 2-4 to round out the Eagles top 3 hitters.

The Eagles, coming off a blowout 16-0 victory over Parlier, May 20, was seeking to advance past the no. 1 seeded Hawks, but just came up short after giving Liberty a scare.

FC exploded out of the box scoring 3 runs in the 1st inning of play and 1 in the 2nd to grab the early lead and put the pressure on the home squad.

After holding Liberty scoreless in their first at-bat, the Eagles allowed 4 runs in the 2nd, allowing the Hawks to tie the game. FC would regain the lead after scoring 2 runs in the 4th inning, however Liberty answered with 3 in the 6th to ice the game.

FC finished the season at 15-12 overall and 5-3 in the West Sequoia League. The team turned in the 3rd best record of the year for Eagle athletic teams behind golf and girls’ basketball.

FC ADVANCES TO 2ND ROUND–May 20
FC advances to the 2nd round of playoff shutting out Parlier 16-0, May 20.

FC started out strong and kept with their offense scoring at least 2 runs every inning.

The Eagles played played outstanding baseball in their first home playoff in a long time.

With that victory FC advances to play the number 1 seed in Division V playoff.

FC will next play at Liberty Madera-Ranchos May 22, 4:30 p.m.

FC BEATS PARLIER EARNS HOME FIELD ADVANTANGE–May 15
The last game of the Eagle’s regular season ended with a bang defeating Parlier 6-5 may 15.

The Eagles and the Panthers battled each other throughout the game and th Panthers tied the score in the top of 6th.

FC could not answer in the bottom of the 6th but held the Panthers scoreless in the 7th.

In the bottom of the 7th, FC got runners on 1st and 2nd with only one out. With senior Trent Souza up to bat, Parlier tried to execute a pick off but was unsuccessful, throwing the ball away and allowing the winning run to score.

FC will next play Parlier on the varsity field May, 20, 4:30 p.m.

FC HONORS SENIORS –May 12
This friday night, FC will honors its seniors with their last home game, May 15.

Senior Daniel Kingen, as well as Trent Souza, has played baseball for FC all 4 years of his high school career.

“Its going to be really sad,” Kingen said. “Its my last home game and I hope that I play well for it.”

“This is my last game playing at home,” Souza said. “The field is filled with a lot of memories that Im glad I have.”

FC DEFEATED BY FOWLER — May 12
The Eagles battled Fowler keeping the game scoreless until the 5th when fowler scored their only 3 runs going on to defeat FC 3-0, May 12.

In the first inning of play lead off batter Aaron Hedrick got one base by being walked. The next batter Riley Endicott, sent a shot down the right field line getting himself a stand-up double.

FC could not capitalize on having runners on second and third with no outs. That situation continued to happen to the Eagles in the 3rd inning.

In the second inning, the Eagles were sat down in order by Fowler pitcher Brandon Martinez.

The Eagles got runners in scoring position and again could not capitalize.

The Eagles defense played strong the whole game only giving up 2 errors in 7 innings of play.

Freshman Jake Sorenson had an amazing catch in the 4th inning, making the catch as he ran into the right field fence.

In the 5th inning, FC gave up their 2 errors allowing Fowler to score their 3 runs of the game.

The Eagles will next play Parlier on the varsity field, May 15.

FC EARNS PLAYOFF SPOT –May 8
The Eagles made the playoffs for the second time in as many years when they defeated Caruthers 8-4, May 8.

FC started out strong, scoring 2 runs in their half of the 1st inning. FC continued their offensive attack scoring in each of the following 4 innings.

The Eagles defense struggled early, allowing the Blue Raiders to tie the game in the 2nd inning.

After the 2nd inning FC never looked backed scoring 2 runs to seal the deal. The Eagles’ began to play stellar defense behind relief pitcher Trevor York.

Freshman Austin Rurik played almost flawless defense at first base. Rurik only allowed a few pass balls through.

The conditions for Rurik were difficult, having large trees behind him causing a harsh shadow he had to battle the whole game.

Despite these conditions, according to head coach Rich Sorenson both Rurik and catcher Riley Endicott play great defense.

“They played really well despite the conditions,” Sorenson said. “Behind the dish it was practically a sandbox and Riley blocked every ball in the dirt.”

The Eagles made it to the playoffs for the second time with their victory at Caruthers.

“It feels really good to make it back,” senior Trent Souza said. “Despite the fact we made it, we have 2 more very challenging games left to determine what seed we get.”

The Eagles will next play at Fowler at 4 p.m. on May 12.

FC POUNDS RIVERDALE –May 6
FC finished their game that was postponed on May 1, going on to defeat Riverdale 17-4, May 6.

The game started off with Riverdale having the bases loaded with only one out in the top of the 2nd inning. Pitcher Jordan Lowery stuck out the first 2 batters to end the inning.

FC then came alive scoring 5 runs in the bottom half of the 2nd inning. The Eagles scored at least 1 run each of the following 5 innings.

Junior Aaron Hedrick brought in 2 runs on a massive bases load ground rule double.

The Eagles came alive in the 5th scoring 8 runs in their half of the inning. FC began by being patient at the plate, getting 5 Eagles on base consecutively.

FC played flawless defense until the 3rd inning, giving up 3 runs. After the 3rd inning the Eagles began laying flawless defense again shutting down the Cowboys of getting any breaks.

“We played really well offensively,” starting pitcher Jordan Lowery said. “The team is playing really well, but we still need to improve on our defense.”

The Eagles will next play at Caruthers, May 8, at 4 p.m.

FC DEFEATS TRANQULLITY–May 5
FC pounded Tranquillity early in the first inning defeating the Tigers 17-5, May 5.

FC started out strong scoring 5 runs in the first inning of play. The Eagles offense slowed down though only scoring 4 of the seven innings of play.

The Eagles Tim Miller came up big, hitting his first home run of the season bring in two runs.

The Eagles defense allowed the Tigers offense to stay in the game. The Eagles gave up three runs in the 5th inning to bring the score to 8-4.

FC came alive the 7th inning scoring 9 runs to seal the deal against Tranquillity.

“We have not yet put a whole game together,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “The last inning we put some of it together but we need to do that for a whole game.”

The Eagles will next play Riverdale on the varsity field, May 6.

EAGLES GAME POSTPONED
Due to the rain on friday, FC’s game against Riverdale was postponed until wednesday at 4 p.m. on the varsity field.

FC DROPS THE BALL AT PARLIER
The Eagles started out strong scoring 2 runs in the first inning but could not keep their offense going, losing to Parlier 5-3, April 28.

In the first inning with a runner on and 1 out senior Daniel Kingen sent a rocket over the left field fence for a 2 run home run.

After that explosive inning, FC could not capitalize on bringing in another run on multiple chances. On multiple occasions, FC had runners in scoring position with 1 out or less.

FC’s defense only gave up 2 errors but both came in a situation where the Eagles’ defense could not afford one.

“We have continued to beat ourselves,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “This game we beat ourselves mentally in situations that we shouldn’t have been beat.”

In the final inning, FC attempted to get their offense going. With the top of the order coming up the Eagles were ready to start rolling.

FC started out with lead-off man Aaron Hedrick getting on with one out. Hedrick was moved over by junior catcher Riley Endicott, and then stole third. On a bad throw by the catcher, Hedrick scored bringing the Eagles within 2 runs.

However, following the run, FC could not capitalize, falling to a 10-10 record overall.

The Eagles will next play Riverdale at Chukchansi Stadium, May 1.

FOWLER OFFENSIVE ATTACK DEFEATS FC–April 24
Fowler heated up early on offense and pummeled the Eagles’ pitching in route to a 10-5 victory, April 24.

The Eagles’ defense gave up 6 runs in the first 2 innings of play. After FC got settled down, they only allowed 4 runs in the next 5 innings of play. According to Riley Endicott, the team beat itself.

“We beat ourselves in those 2 innings,” Endicott said. “Our offense was there, we just got started a little late in the game.”

The top hitters for FC were juniors Riley Endicott with 3 hits and Aaron Hedrick with 2 hits.

“We lost the game in the first few innings,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “After that we began to play like we usually do.”

In the 5th inning FC calmed down at the plate and jumped started their offense. The Eagles finally scored and forced 2 runs in the following 2 innings.

Pitcher Stephen Prince came in with 2 outs in the top of the 2nd and stop Fowler from having a consistent offensive attack. In Prince’s 4 and 1/3 he only allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits.

The Eagles will next play at Parlier, April 28.

EAGLES CONTINUE LEAGUE WINNING STREAK–April 21
In their first league meeting with Caruthers, FC came out on top defeating the Blue Raiders 13-5, April 21.

The Eagles started out strong, forcing 4 runs in the first inning of play. FC’s offensive attack continued in the 4th inning scoring 7 more runs.

In the top of the 5th, Caruthers started their attack scoring 3 runs to divert a 5th inning mercy rule. However FC then held Caruthers scoreless for the next 2 innings.

The Eagles will next play Fowler at Fresno Pacific University field at 6 p.m.

EAGLES SHUTOUT TRANQUILLITY–April 17
In their first game against Tranquillity, the Eagles cut off the Tigers’ offense with a 2-hit shutout, bringing the game to an end with the 10-0 mercy rule, April 17.

Sophomore Stowe Empereur pitched a complete game with 10 strikeouts, while senior Trent Souza went 2-2 with a double and an RBI and junior Tim Miller had 2 RBIs.

FC started out slow scoring only 2 runs in the first 2 innings of play, but the Eagles’ offense exploded in the 3rd as the team scored 6 of their 10 runs in that inning.

“We started out slow the first 2 innings,” Souza said. “After we got comfortable at the plate we started doing our thing.”

FC DOMINATES RIVERDALE–April 14
The Eagles started out league play with a massive win, defeating Riverdale 21-3 in 5 innings of play, April 14.

FC started out with a strong offensive attack that forced 19 runs in the first 3 innings of play.

The Eagles’ starting pitcher, senior Stephen Prince, pitched another complete game, allowing no earned runs with 6 hits.

FC PLACES 6TH IN FOWLER EASTER CLASSIC–April 6
The Eagles had a rough start in their first game, losing a double header against Dinuba 7-3, April 6.

The Eagles’ starting pitcher, senior Stephen Prince got the loss. During the third inning, senior Jordan Lowery hit a two-run home run to bring FC within 1 run.

“It felt really good,” Lowery said. “I saw the ball well and hit it in the sweet spot.”

The second game of FC’s double header was played against Coalinga. The Eagles defeated the Horned Toads 4-3. In the second inning of play, FC scored 3 of its 4 runs on consecutive base hits.

During the same inning, FC was delivered a devastating blow when catcher Riley Endicott, ’10, was hit in the face with the ball while batting. He was sent to the hospital in an ambulance but did not receive a concussion or a fractured jaw.

Coach Rich Sorenson said he admired the dedication Endicott displayed during his ordeal.

“Riley knew exactly what was going on,” Sorenson said. “Despite all the blood coming out of his mouth, he knew the situation and did not want to leave the game.”

After the game resumed, FC held the lead with pitcher Trevor York, ’12.

FOWLER EASTER CLASSIC–April 3
WASHINGTON SHUTS OUT EAGLES IN OPENER
After two scoreless innings, the Panthers broke open the game and defeated FC 8-0 to open the Easter Classic, April 3.

Junior Mark Mendoza pitched a complete game as the Panthers won for the fourth time in a row. Braden Fukuda went 3-4 with 3 RBIs, while Carlos Flores had a double and an RBI. Yafette Thomas also had 2 RBIs to lead Washington Union. The Panthers are currently 18-0 in the season.

The Eagles will continue playing in the Fowler Easter Classic with a double header: Dinuba at 9 a.m. and Coalinga at 12 p.m., April 6.

SIERRA HIGH HOLDS ON TO DEFEAT FC–March 31
The Chieftains of Tollhouse took control of the game in the 4th inning and never looked back, beating the Eagles 7-6, March 31.

Aaron Hedrick, ’10, had 3 hits and Ryan Neufeld, ’11, drove in 3 runs on 2 hits to lead the Eagles. Senior Daniel Kingen also drove in 1 run and finished with 1 hit.

Check back later for a complete summary of the game.

MISSON PREP OUTLASTS EAGLES–March 28
The Royals of Mission Prep survived the top of the seventh inning, defeating the Eagles 6-5, March 28.

The Eagles allowed 4 runs in the first 3 innings of play before their bats came alive.

In the top of the fourth inning, FC came alive with freshman Ryan Neufeld scoring on a sacrifice from junior Riley Endicott. Senior Trent Souza then came up to the plate and hit a 2-run home run to bring the game within 1 run.

“It felt really good to get my first home run of the season,” Souza said. “My home run was a real boost for me because I was in a three-game slump before the game.”

Souza went on to finish the game 3-3 with a double and a single.

FC tied up the game the next inning but fell apart in the sixth, allowing 2 runs in the inning. The Eagles sparked a seventh-inning rally starting with junior lead-off hitter Aaron Hedrick reaching after being hit by a pitch.

The speedy second baseman went on to steal second base with a clean swipe.

With 1 on and 1 out, Neufeld moved Hedrick from second to third. Junior Tim Miller followed with a line drive to the shortstop, scoring Hedrick and beating the double-play throw to keep FC alive.

Freshman Jake Sorenson battled the pitcher into a 3-2 count but could not hang on, taking the last out for FC.

FC DEFEATS KINGS CHRISTIAN AT FPU
The Eagles dominated at Fresno Pacific University’s field, getting 18 hits to beat the Crusaders 20-1, March 25.

The Eagles began the game with 4 runs in the first inning. FC went on to score 7 in the second, 6 in the third and 3 in the fourth.

Freshman Jake Sorenson got the start as well as the win for FC, while fellow freshman Austin Rurik knocked in 5 runs for FC, including a 3-run, inside-the-park home run.

CAVALIERS TRIUMPH OVER EAGLES AT CHUKCHANSI PARK–March 19
The Cavaliers’ 3-run third inning proved too much for the Eagles to handle, as Central Valley Christian defeated FC 4-2, March 19.

Despite the loss, the Eagles were able to enjoy the experience of playing at Chukchansi Park, a minor league stadium home to the Fresno Grizzles.

Freshman Cooper Belmont described playing at Chukchansi as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“It was awesome to play there,” Belmont said. “We are extremely lucky to play here once a season and we play here again later on, which is really neat.”

FC gave up back-to-back doubles in the third inning that sparked 3 Cavalier runs. The hits proved the turning point in a defense-dominated game.

Senior pitcher Jordan Lowery relieved starter Stephen Prince, ’09, in the fourth inning. In Lowery’s 3 innings of work, he shut down the Cavaliers’ offense by not allowing them to score another run.

“I am really glad about our attitude during the game,” head coach Rich Sorenson said. “The guys never allowed the score to get to their head and they kept playing hard.”

FC OVERCOMES IMMANUEL WITH BIG 6TH INNING–March 17
The Eagles overcame a 7-4 deficit to defeat Immanuel 15-7 to win their third straight game, March 17.

Immanuel jumped on FC early, scoring 5 runs in the first 2 innings of play. The Eagles battled back scoring 4 runs in their first 2 innings with overpowering offense.

Senior Daniel Kingen contributed a clutch 3-run homerun to left field to tie the game 7-7 in the second inning.

“I was really excited about my homerun,” Kingen said. “After I hit it, I knew [right away] it was gone.”

Freshman pitcher Trevor York threw 5 innings giving up 2 hits for his first win on the varsity level.

“I am really excited for my win,” York said. “It is awesome to get my first win, especially since we were behind when I came in.”

FC CLAIMS FARMERSVILLE TITLE–March 14
After an explosive 3-run first inning, the Eagles went on the defeat Kern Valley 7-3 to win their second straight game of the Farmersville Classic, March 14.

Senior pitcher Jordan Lowery threw more than 4 shutout innings in relief of starter Matthias Westfall, ’09.

FC’s bats came alive with 13 hits in 7 innings of play. Senior Trent Souza, junior Riley Endicott and freshman Trevor York had a combined 9 hits.

“It felt really good to win it again,” Endicott said. “It is better that we won it this year since there were stronger teams in the tournament this year.”

EXETER OVERPOWERS EAGLES IN 6TH–March 9
With 3 runs in the sixth inning, Exeter produced a 4-0 victory over the Eagles, March 9.

Senior Stephen Prince started the game on the mound for the Eagles and had a perfect game, going through 4 innings of play. However, Exeter got an unearned run with two outs in the fifth to gain the advantage.

Junior Tim Miller came up with 2 hits to lead FC, while freshman Daniel Wendel made his varsity debut with some shining plays at third base as well as his first hit of the year.

The No. 2 seed Eagles will next play Mendota at 12 p.m., March 14, for the right to advance to the championship game.

FC POUNDS MENDOTA–March 7
The Eagles scored 2 runs in their opening inning and went on to beat Mendota 13-3 on a 10-run mercy rule. FC pounded 13 hits in their 5-inning win.

Senior starting pitcher Matthias Westfall registered his first win of the season for FC and helped his team improve to 2-2 overall.

“Matthias is Matthias,” head coach Bill McGowen said. “He’s come up with big wins for us throughout his two years here at FC. He’s a warrior out there.”

Junior Aaron Hedrick went 2-3 with 2 RBIs, freshman Ryan Neufeld went 2-4, senior Trent Souza 2-2 and freshman Jake Sorenson 3-3.

Hedrick led off the game by being hit by a pitch. The second baseman went on to steal second and was driven in by senior Daniel Kingen for the Eagles’ first run.

Later in the fifth inning, senior Jordan Lowery dropped a drag bunt down the third base line. Then, following consecutive singles by Souza and Sorenson, Neufeld delivered the knockout blow with a bases-clearing triple to put the game out of reach at 9-3.

Junior relief pitcher Riley Endicott threw 2 nearly flawless innings, allowing only 1 hit and no runs in his 2009 season debut.

“It was nice to be able to come in and throw strikes on my first outing, especially after not pitching much last year,” Endicott said. “I had a solid defense behind me and we got the job done.”

McGowen said he was pleased with the overall performance of his squad, especially the play of Endicott and the defense, he said.

“Riley came in and consistently threw strikes, and induced easy pop-ups,” McGowen said. “For his first outing of the season, I thought his performance was extremely solid. We’re not going to give up many outs. This group of guys knows the game of baseball and will only get better playing together as the season progresses.”

LATE SURGE WINS GAME FOR EAGLES–March 7
Though they went scoreless in the first 6 innings, the Eagles came alive in the seventh, racking up 5 runs to defeat Kern Valley 5-3, March 7.

Senior Tyler Kaplan went 2-3 for Kern Valley with 2 stolen bases and 2 runs scored. For the game, the Broncos got 6 hits to the Eagles’ 2.

FC DROPS TIGHT GAME TO ORANGE COVE–March 2
Orange Cove secured a late run in the final inning of the game, March 2, to beat the visiting Eagles 3-2.

The Titans’ senior ace Carlos Hernandez tossed a complete game, giving up only 6 total hits to lead his team to its first win of the season.

For the Eagles, freshman Jake Sorenson produced 2 RBIs, while senior Mathias Westfall went 2-3 with a double and a triple.

Orange Cove scored the opening run in the first inning to take the lead. However, the Eagles fought back with a run of their own in the second inning.

Both teams put a run on the board in the fourth, and the next 2 innings were scoreless. The Titans got the game-winning run on a walk-off hit in the seventh and final inning.

EAGLES, BADGERS SETTLE FOR TIE–Feb. 25
In the Eagles’ first game of the season, they opened with a 9-9 tie against the visiting teams from Yosemite, Feb. 25.

Junior Tim Miller contributed 2 doubles and a single, finishing with 3 RBIs for the game while playing against his former school.

“I had a lot of fun playing against my friends,” Miller said. “When I was up to bat or on the bases I would have small conversations with the Badgers’ defense. It was fun having fans yell for me from both teams.”

Senior Stephen Prince started the game on the mound and started FC out on the right track, according to head coach Bill McGowen.

“Stephen did everything we asked of him in this game and did a great job getting ahead of hitters,” McGowen said. “When he got here we didn’t know what exactly to expect from him but he has turned out to be one of our most reliable pitchers. Nothing rattles his confidence and he consistently battles his opponent with an intimidating 6’3″ presence and fine arsenal of pitches. ”

Prince was followed on the mound by senior Matthias Westfall for 2 innings, sophomore Stowe Empereur 2 innings and senior Jordan Lowery for 1 inning.

“We have a good group of energetic guys,” Miller said. “If we keep the intensity up we will prosper to a great season.”