Chargers Sputter in Season Opener
Morales produced Cypress’s first run of the season. |
January 27, 2009
Final Stats
Cypress, Calif. - Cypress opened the 2009 season Tuesday afternoon hosting the Comets of Palomar. Cypress struggled at the plate and allowed 13 Comets hits in the 5-2 loss. Freshman shortstop Johnathan Morales created a highlight with a solo homerun for Cypress’s first run of the season.
Cypress did its job defensively to start stranding two runners on in the first. The Chargers were not as lucky in the second inning as a runner got on with a strikeout passed ball and was followed by a homerun. The Comets would score again in the inning putting Cypress behind 3-0.
The Chargers could not get a hit much less a run until the bottom of the fourth when Morales led off with a solo homerun over the left field wall for Cypress’s first run of the 2009 season. Cypress chipped away at the lead in the sixth. Freshman second baseman Mike Barnhill led off by being hit by a pitch. Sophomore right fielder Christian Ramirez singled to center but was followed by a fielder’s choice from Morales throwing out Barnhill. Sophomore left fielder Jonathan Hurst chipped one to right to load the bases and sophomore first baseman Stephen Kaupang finally drove one in with a sacrifice fly to right to score Ramirez.
Palomar retaliated with a bases loaded single to retake the two run lead. Cypress closed the door by executing a double play and preventing any more damage. The Comets went after it again in the ninth utilizing a double down the line for their fifth and final run.
Cypress had a shot for a rally in the bottom of the ninth. With runners on first and second and just one out with the tying run at the plate, Cypress hit into a double play ending the game and any hopes for a comeback. Freshman left-hander Gabriel Garcia made his collegiate debut starting for Cypress. He allowed one earned run and struck out six in 3.2 innings and suffered the loss. Sophomore right-hander Jayson Huett pitched in relief for 4.2 innings allowing two earned runs and striking out three.
The Chargers start the season 0-1 and have just a day off before taking on Allan Hancock. Cypress will host AHC Thursday at 2:00 pm.
