FRESNO, Calif. — The Sunbirds returned to Dan Martin Stadium for a non-conference matchup against No. 7 Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday night. As the 'Birds challenged their future CCAA opponent, Fresno Pacific University attempted a comeback in the sixth inning, but fell short 15-4 in the series opener against the Otters. The Sunbirds' offense was highlighted by a home run, but it was not enough to overcome the Otters' 15-run performance.

"It was a disappointing day, but we need to bounce back and respond to challenge them tomorrow." Head coach Oscar Hirschkorn mentioned, "I believe in our team. I expect us to play more like us tomorrow."

In the first inning, freshman Drew Petty started off on the mound for the 'Birds, getting a first strike on all three batters as the team swept through the outs in succinct fashion. However, Cal State Monterey Bay took command early with a five-run second inning. The scoring began with a solo home run, followed by single RBI for the Otters. Several other runners were able to make their way home until Petty dug the 'Birds out of the hole with a final strikeout, leaving the bases loaded. The Sunbirds trailed the Otters 0-5.

In the third inning, Monterey Bay added another run with their second home run of the night, bringing the score to 6-1. A great catch by Chris Clement saved a line ball down at the track, ending the top of the third 6-0. Fresno Pacific responded with a well-deserved run. Tejean Smith singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch before Gabe Henderson's single up the middle drove him in.

Midway through the top of the fourth, Brennan Johnson subbed in for Petty, then was replaced by Josh Moreno, making his first appearance this season. CSUMB further extended its lead in the fourth inning with seven runs. A double started the rally, and a series of walks and hits, including a three-RBI triple, pushed the No. 7 Otters lead to 13-1. Thankfully, a home run robbery by Clement, as he jumped high above the fence and caught it before it sailed over, ended the nationally-ranked team's run in the inning.

In the fifth, it was the first scoreless inning for FPU since the first inning, due to a stellar double play that went from Henderson to Smith to Titus Wheelock. FPU showed resilience in the sixth inning as Holden Hirschkorn doubled and scored on Henderson's two-run homer to left center. This reduced the deficit to 13-3, kicking off the Sunbirds' comeback and saving them from the 10-run mercy rule. The 'Birds added another run in the seventh inning when Braxton Riley doubled and was driven in by Ruben Rodriguez's single, making it a 13-4 game at the end of seven innings. CSUMB added two more runs in the eighth inning with a two-RBI double, but both teams were unable to score in the final inning, resulting in a final score of 15-4.

On the mound, Petty started the game, pitching 3 1/3 innings and allowing eight runs, six of which were earned, on nine hits, with two strikeouts and two walks. Brennan Johnson faced two batters without recording an out, giving up two earned runs on two walks. Josh Moreno took over for 1/3 of an inning, surrendering three earned runs on three hits and two walks. T Gonzalez provided a strong relief effort, pitching 3 1/3 innings without allowing a run and yielding just one hit, while striking out three and walking one. Michael Wilcox allowed two earned runs on one hit and two walks over one inning, and Collin Hirschkorn closed the game with a scoreless inning, striking out two and allowing no hits.

Gabe Henderson recorded three RBIs and a home run, contributing significantly to the scoring. Smith showcased defensive skills with six assists and participated in a double play. Rodriguez delivered a pinch-hit single, driving in a run.

SUNBIRD SOCIAL  

• X - @fpusunbirds  
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds  
• Facebook - /FPUsunbirds