Sequoias Falls to Folsom Lake in Series Opener

FOLSOM, Calif. – The College of the Sequoias baseball team couldn't overcome early struggles at the plate, falling 4-1 to Folsom Lake Falcons on the road. A strong pitching performance from Folsom Lake's staff limited the Giants to just two hits, while a pair of key innings for the Falcons made the difference. 

Folsom Lake wasted no time jumping ahead, plating two runs in the bottom of the first. A. Martinez lined an RBI single to left. Q. Malbrough followed with an RBI double to give the Falcons a 2-0 lead. 

Sequoias responded quickly in the second inning with a solo home run by Jonathon Ortega (El Diamante HS), cutting the deficit to 2-1. The score held until the sixth inning, when Folsom Lake took advantage, when Malbrough tripled to open the inning, then scored on an error by the catcher, extending the Falcons' lead to 3-1. Later in the frame, J. Clevelle singled home another run, bringing in L. Pruski to make it 4-1. 

Tyson Kilbreath (Alberta) started for the Giants, throwing six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits, and striking out four. Sam Reynolds (Bullard HS) provided two scoreless innings in relief, striking out two without allowing a hit. 

Folsom Lake's Hayden stifled the Giants' lineup, tossing six innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 run, while striking out 8.  

"We just couldn't string it together offensively," Head Coach Jody Allen said. "Ortega produced early, but we couldn't capitalize on opportunities. Folsom Lake pitched well, and we have to find ways to create more chances at the plate." 

On Deck

COS will look to bounce back tomorrow as they wrap up the 2-game series at Folsom Lake tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.