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MASON, Ohio - Defending champion Fresno Pacific opened pool play at the NCCAA World Series on Wednesday by picking up where it left off, putting together an 8-0 victory over #8-seed Toccoa Falls (Ga.) and an 8-1 win over #5 Central Baptist (Ark.). The Sunbirds (36-18) jumped out to commanding leads in both games to take a 2-0 pool play record into the second day of competition.

Baron Bower went 4-for-4 with two doubles, three runs scored and two stolen bases in the first game. Steven Lozier and John Koretoff added two hits apiece in support of starting pitcher Jake Martinez (7-4), who tossed seven shutout innings with seven strikeouts for the win. Michael Hostetler and Nico Payan added two RBI apiece as FPU used a five-run second inning to pull ahead. The Eagles committed four errors in the loss, falling to 26-22 on the season.

Drew Merlo (6-1) delivered a masterful performance in game two, giving up two hits in the first inning before holding the Mustangs hitless for the next seven innings. He struck out eight over eight innings of work, giving up just the two hits and one walk. Nick Pate went 2-for-4 while Michael Tittle, Michael Hostetler and John Koretoff each finished 1-for-4 with two RBI.

The team fell behind 1-0 in the first against CBC but responded with three runs in the bottom half of the inning, highlighted by a two-RBI hit from Tittle. The Sunbirds added three more runs in the fifth, capped by a booming two-run double from Koretoff, as Merlo continued to mow through the Mustang order.

The Sunbirds played exceptional defense all day and caused havoc on the basepaths for opposing pitchers with 10 stolen bases over the two games, including three by Bower and two by Nico Payan. Payan filled in for regular cleanup hitter Preston Scott, who was out of the lineup due to injury. Kyle Rasmussen, Kellen Hackett and Michael Rodrigues each tossed a scoreless inning of relief for the Sunbirds.

"Our pitching was phenomenal, and that's something that really sets teams apart at a tournament like this" said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn. "Jake and Drew were both very efficient and we were able to get them out before 80 pitches so they'll have a chance to bounce back later in the series if needed. Our defense was in top form all day as well. Hostetler made some great plays, as did McKay France, Pate and Tittle. I'm proud of our guys for really coming out sharp today with good pitching, defense and timely hitting."

The team continues pool play tomorrow, taking on #9 Bluefield at 10 am PST and #4 Palm Beach Atlantic at 4 pm PST. Palm Beach Atlantic also started the tournament 2-0, with wins over Central Baptist 11-2 and Bluefield 4-2. FPU needs to win one of the two games to clinch a spot in the next round.