BASEBALL: HORNETS HOLD OFF COMPTON

On Monday, the Hornets hosted Compton College for a non-conference game and managed a 7-4 win over the Tartars.

Prior to the game, a moment of silence was held for the thoughts and prayers for Josh Sanchez and Ryan Stephens.

"On Saturday during the El Camino game, two Hornet outfielders collided in right center field going after a fly ball. Both players were seriously injured but were treated immediately by Fullerton College Athletic Training staff with the help of players and coaches. One player was sent to the hospital with significant head injury where he will remain for an extended period of time with a long recovery ahead of him. Please, God, stay with him through this difficult time. The other player was also transported to the hospital for evaluation of a significant knee injury but was released the same day. The Hornet Family is praying hard for the recovery of our players, both physically as well as emotionally.  It has been a traumatic time during the past few days for their Hornet teammates, coaches and families. Please remember both of our players and their families with your prayers and a quick recovery for both of these outstanding young men. Fullerton College has provided counselors for our team, coaches, athletic trainers and others who might have witnessed this tragic event. The Hornets thank President Greg Schulz for his rapid response to our Hornet Family.  Athletic Director, Scott Giles who was present was extremely proactive during this crisis, facilitating all aspects of the dire situation. We would also like to thank the Athletic Training Staff and Assistant Coaches Nick Bruno and Jason Munoz for their rapid response to ensure EMS was called and athletes remained safe until EMS arrived. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the outstanding concern of Nate Fernley and his El Camino Baseball team.  Nate has made numerous calls asking how Josh and Ryan are doing.  The ECC President, Dena P. Maloney has reached out to Dr. Schulz extending her well wishes to our young men and college community.  Hornet Baseball thanks you and will always have you in our hearts", Hornet Baseball Coach Nick Fuscardo.

Vice President of Student Services Dr. Gilbert Contreras threw out the first pitch and it must have been good luck as Fullerton scored the first run.

With the bases loaded in the fourth, Diego Black worked a walk that forced Alex Gonzalez across home plate.

Compton tied it up in the fifth when Jesus Moreno double to left center scoring Aaron Kirchner.

In the bottom of six FC brought 4 runs in to go up 5-1. Monte Montenegro got it going with a nice single to right center. The next batter Tony Accordino ripped a single to right center. Montenegro hustled to third. Black came up next hitting a blooper to left field that scored Monte. Ryan Penalber blasted a shot that bounced off the ivy in center field for a double. Black and Accordino both scored Penalber went on to score on a single to left field by PJ Gordon.

Fullerton added two more runs in the seventh when Montenegro scored on a fielding error, and Accordino was walked in.

The Tartars made one last ditch effort to get back in it in the top of the ninth scoring two runs, but Jacob Baca earned the save gloving a hard hit ball ending Compton's bases-loaded threat. Patrick Showalter got the start and the win going 7 strong innings with 1 earned run and 5 hits against. He also had 7 K's and 3 walks.

The game was originally supposed to be played on February 23^rd, but the heavy rains postponed it until today.

Up Next: FC (4-8 overall) will play another non-conference game tomorrow, February 25^th at Pasadena City College. Game time is at 2:00 pm.