BASEBALL SPORTS SHORTS 2012–
(Scrimmages do not count to win/loss record. Visit the Sports Section for baseball features. For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Spring sport box scores, 2012 for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.)

For FC’s 2012 homepage or schedule, check out Maxpreps.com. FC is currently 1-0 overall and 0-0 in the West Sequoia League as of March 20. They will next host Firebaugh on March 27.

BASEBALL 2012

EAGLES SHUTOUT KINGS CHRISTIAN–March 20
FC opened up their 2012 baseball season against the Kings Christian Crusaders with a 5-0 shutout win, March 20.

At the start of the first inning, senior Austin Rurik walked out to the pitching mound and quickly got FC out of the inning. Rurik ended up pitching five innings, with five strikeouts and no batters on base.

“It was pretty cool being opening game pitcher because it’s only my second year pitching,” Rurik said. “Last year I was mainly a relief pitcher and started two games. My arm felt great, my curve ball was working really well and I had a lot of lefties so that helped me out a lot.”

Under Rurik’s pitching FC was able to focus on swinging the bats. They struggled, however, as their first run came in the third, but kept on as they scored one in the fourth and three in the fifth.

Brain Kinghorn, ’12, went 2-3, with an RBI, Josh Hopper, ’12, 2-2, and JP Caprioglio 1-3, a triple and an RBI.

Caprioglio, a transfer student from San Joaquin Memorial, says he still has room for improvement.

“For the first game I did alright,” Caprioglio said. “I wouldn’t say good because I know I can do a lot better. I felt confident, but I still strive to be better for this new team I’m on which is one of the best I’ve had.”

New head Coach Noah Heinz says his goal for this season is to take this team to a valley championship win.

“I’m not shy about the fact that I think this team can win a Valley championship,” Heinz said. “We’re not going to settle for a league championship or just a good record. We want to make sure we complete our goal of winning a valley championship; we’re going to do whatever it takes.”

Be sure to return to The Feather’s Sports page each week during the baseball season for game updates, profiles, videos and photos of the games and/or visit the Spring sports box scores for updates for all Eagle sports.

The Eagles will next host Firebaugh on March 27.

PODCAST: Baseball season preview, 2012: March 23, 2012–