| Box Score 2 CARSON, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific baseball team had a spectacular start to their 2026 opening weekend against Cal State Dominguez Hills, capturing two victories over the Toros in the Friday double header. The Sunbirds won the first game 6-3, then kept CSUDH down to a single run in the final game of the day, 5-1.

"I thought our team played well today," said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn. "I was happy with our energy and focus as a team. Derek McNary did an incredible job starting game two for us and Darryl Dilworth Jr. and Gabe Henderson had a great showing as well. For the most part, our pitchers attacked the zone, we played catch defensively, and I thought we took great at-bats all day. We need to build on that for our games tomorrow."
 
GAME 1 | FPU 6, CSUDH 3

The Sunbirds got things rolling within the first inning, securing their first run of the season within the first few at-bats. The Toros were quick to respond to the 'Birds in the second inning, effectively tying the score 1-1 on a sac fly. It wasn't until the fourth inning that the 'Birds made magic happen. Great at-bats for the 'Birds gave them the edge they needed. A great contact by Wilson sent the ball down the middle, putting pressure on the Toros with bases loaded and one out against the 'Birds.

As if responding to the pressure, Henderson swung hard and sent it flying high down the middle, bringing in Wilson and Holden Hirschkorn to recapture the lead for the Sunbirds, 3-1. Taking advantage of a new pitcher, FPU captured an RBI single on the first pitch out of his hands, bringing it to 4-1. The middle of the game brought two more runs to the 'Birds board, silencing CSUDH's efforts for six straight innings. Despite two additional runs for the Toros in the ninth inning, Fresno Pacific won the season opener, 6-3.

On the mound, Dustin Tinsley was the first to pitch for the 'Birds, going 4 1/3 innings. He allowed four hits and one run, delivering three strikeouts and walking four. He picked up the win to go 1-0 on the season. Matt Bettancourt, Cruz Yanigihara, and Cruz Cabral also made contributions pitching for the 'Birds.
 
GAME 2 | FPU 5, CSUDH 1
Fresno Pacific took an early lead in the first inning when Dilworth Jr. singled up the middle and was brought home by Henderson's double down the left field line, making it 1-0. In the second inning, the Sunbirds expanded their advantage with a four-run surge. Chris Clement, Ruben Rodriguez, and Ethan Tsui each contributed singles, setting up Hirschkorn's RBI fielder's choice that scored Clement. Dilworth Jr. then doubled to left field, driving in two more runs, followed by Aaron Martinez Jr.'s sac fly to add another, giving the team a commanding 5-0 lead.

CSUDH responded in the third inning, capitalizing on an error to get on the board. The Toro's reached third on the miscue and scored on a single, cutting the deficit to 5-1. The Toros were unable to build further momentum despite a walk and a hit-by-pitch in the fifth, as Fresno Pacific's defense held firm. The middle innings saw both teams' offenses quiet down, with FPU maintaining their four-run lead. CSUDH managed a single hit in each the fourth and fifth innings but failed to convert those opportunities into runs. The Sunbirds' pitching and defense combined to keep the opposition scoreless through the final innings, securing a 5-1 victory for the Blue and Orange.

On the mound, Derek McNary pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and one unearned run, while striking out three and walking three. He picked up the win to move to 1-0 on the season. Carlo Ramirez contributed 2 2/3 innings of no-hit relief, striking out four and walking one, effectively closing out the contest without allowing a run. Dilworth Jr. scored two runs and collected two RBIs, contributing significantly with a double in his three at-bats. Henderson logged three hits, including a double, and drove in one run while also stealing a base.

NEXT UP: The 'Birds play in another double header against Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday, January 31^st at 11 am and 2 pm!

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