McHenry, MD – Sophomore second baseman Angel Oquendo went 4-for-5 with a home run and drove in five runs last Wednesday as Garrett College pounded Penn State Fayette, 18-5, in the Lakers' baseball season opener.
"If he plays well this year, we're going to be very successful," said GC head coach Eric Hallenbeck of Oquendo. "He's the cornerstone of our lineup offensively. As he goes throughout the year, that's how we're going to go."
Oquendo had a two-run single in the first and Noah Broadwater (2-for-4, two runs, two triples, three RBI) delivered a two-out, two-run triple in the second as the Lakers built a quick, 4-0 lead. Fayette pulled within 4-3 in the top of the third, but the Lakers responded with a five-run uprising in the home third to retake control of the game.
Tristan Kenzevich went 3-for-4 and scored a run while six other Lakers each contributed a hit as part of a 15-hit attack. Wyatt Slocum and Kace Shearer each drove in two runs.
"I didn't know that we'd come out the gates with 15 hits in the opener. That's a credit to [hitting]Coach [John] Chambers getting our guys prepared for opening day."
Ethan Sebold, the second of four GC pitchers, earned the win with three scoreless innings while allowing two hits with three strikeouts and no walks.
"Sebold is Sebold," Hallenbeck said of his consistent sophomore. "He'll come in, throw strikes, and challenge hitters. And we played well defensively behind him."
Fayette starter Tyler Marra took the loss, yielded eight runs (five earned) on six hits and four walks with no strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.
The Lakers are scheduled for a trio of NJCAA Division II Region 20 doubleheaders before a six-game stretch at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC. GC's next home contests take place Sunday, March 23rd when the Lakers host Harford Community College in a 1 p.m. doubleheader.
"You'd like to go at least 3-3, possibly 4-2, in those six region road games," said Hallenbeck. "Hopefully that gives us some momentum going into Myrtle Beach. At that point, we'll have a dozen games under our belt and should be OK."
Hallenbeck said last Wednesday's home opener "was the first time we've played a home game in February."
"That's what you get when you have a turf field," said Hallenbeck, whose squad is starting its second season playing on a turf surface.
PHOTO CUTLINE
Photo by Sara Tabuena
Jacob Salebe, Parker Ferraro, and Angel Oquendo celebrate Oquendo's home run during Garrett College's 18-3, season-opening win last Wednesday against visiting Penn State Fayette.
