Gauchos pick up big win over Fullerton

The Saddleback baseball team got a tremendous performance from starting pitcher Tyler Brashears in turning back first place Fullerton College, 1-0, on Friday night at Doug Fritz Field.  Brashears went the distance, giving up just three hits in keeping the Gauchos in the OEC hunt.

With only six games remaining in conference play heading into the game, Saddleback faced a must-win situation if they wanted to remain in a position to win an Orange Empire Conference title.  The Gauchos trailed first place Fullerton by four games, and received just what the doctor ordered. 

The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the seventh inning when Saddleback took advantage of a Hornet error.  Brandon Cody walked to start the inning before Kyle Ferret reached on an error by Fullerton catcher Paul Frias on a bunt attempt.  Cody would eventually come around to score the only run of the game on a fielder's choice ground out by Casey Bennett. 

Meanwhile, Brashears (pictured) gave up just one hit over the first five innings and faced the minimum amount of batters as the Gaucho defense turned double plays in the first and fifth innings.  Only one runner reached third base the entire game as Brashears struck out five while walking two in improving to 6-2 on the season.

Saddleback (21-10, 9-7) climbed into a three-way tie for second place in Orange Empire Conference play with Orange Coast and Riverside following the win.  The Gauchos and Hornets (22-9, 12-4) will play again at Fullerton College on Tuesday afternoon.  First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM.