TURLOCK, Calif. - Wilson Ashford set a new FPU school record for career wins as the Sunbirds swept a doubleheader at Cal State Stanislaus on Thursday. Ashford tossed six innings of one-run ball in game one to pick up his 21st career win, tying record-holder Kelyn Schellenberg.
"I'm just really proud of Wilson for earning this record," said head coach
Oscar Hirschkorn. "It really speaks to how consistent he's been for us in his career as a Sunbird. To break the record in the first start of his senior year like that is impressive as well. He's been battling some arm soreness and so for him to be able to settle in and pitch like he did today shows a level of toughness that very few have. He's a true pitcher and we're really happy he's in our program."
Jake Martinez impressed in game two with a dominant outing, going seven innings and striking out 11 in his first start for FPU after redshirting last season.
"Jake was absolutely dominant tonight," said Hirschkorn. "He was fantastic out there and he's only getting better. Not only does he have great stuff, but he does all the little things well. He's a very complete pitcher. It was great to see him shake off the extra adrenaline from making his first start and to see him perform like he did."
Baron Bower continued to act as a spark at the top of the lineup, homering on the first pitch of the day and totaling four hits, three runs and two stolen bases over the two games.
Michael Hostetler went 4-for-5 with two RBI in the nightcap.
Preston Scott went 2-for-4 and added two RBI as well in game two.
"We're having great at-bats all the way through the order," said Hirschkorn. "I've been really pleased with the quality of our at-bats, one through nine, and extending to our bench. When you make it a grind for an opposing pitcher to get through a lineup, it really wears the other team down and our guys are doing that."
The FPU bullpen put together five scoreless innings between the two games, with
Tanner Irwin earning the save in game one.
Kyle Rasmussen tossed two scoreless innings and
Josh Medeles went 1 2/3 while striking out three.
The Sunbirds (3-0) have won 26 of their last 30 games, dating back to last season. The Warriors dropped to 2-2 on the year.
The two teams plan to complete the four-game series this weekend with a doubleheader on Saturday at FPU beginning at 4 pm. Rain is in the forecast all weekend and any changes to the schedule will be posted immediately on the team's schedule page, as well as on the
@fpusunbirds Twitter.
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