While the game did not go their way, the FC varsity baseball team will take more away from their third game in as many years at Chukchansi Park, March 19. Division III Yosemite Badgers proved the better team, earning a 17-3 win; however co-head coach Rich Sorenson says the experience was good for his Division V team.

“It’s always exciting to play at Chukchansi,” Sorenson said. “It is a privilege to play there and good for the kids to see how a Triple-A ballpark is.”

Senior catcher Riley Endicott enjoyed his third career game at the Fresno Grizzlies’ home ballpark.

“It’s a great experience to play at the same venue as the Triple-A guys,” Endicott said. “It makes me think I’m playing in the same spot as upcoming giants like Buster Posey and Pablo Sandavol.”

“I think the backdrop of the stadium got the kids a little nervous,” Sorenson said. “Plus Yosemite hit the ball really hard and we weren’t ready for that.”

Sorenson says the Eagles would like to keep the tradition of playing at Chukchansi alive next season, but there is a good chance they may not be able to due to the cost.

Despite the tough loss, Bill McGowen, who shares head coaching duties with Sorenson, says the team will be able to bounce back this week.

“Yosemite was really good,” McGowen said. “I knew they’d be good but I didn’t know how good. But we’re ready to move on and play Liberty this week.”

In 2009, Central Valley Christian’s 3-run third inning proved too much for the Eagles to handle, as the Cavaliers defeated FC 4-2, March 19.

FC will next host the Liberty Hawks at home, March 25.

For more information, read the Baseball sport shorts, 2010, and watch the slideshow.