The 2014 Bear Cubs’ season is off to a hot start, opening things up with two wins and one loss. The Bear Cubs look to make some noise in the Big 8.
The Bear Cubs won their season opener 9-2, behind a strong start by sophomore Brandon Hagerla. Hagerla limited Chabot’s offense to one run while striking out five hitters over five innings.
After falling behind briefly in the top of the third inning, the Bear Cubs’ offense opened up in the bottom of the third and never looked back.
An RBI double by sophomore third baseman Anthony Bender brought in second baseman Chase Stafford for the first Bear Cub run of the season.
SRJC hammered out 15 hits while scoring in groups of three Thursday: three runs in the third, three runs in the fifth and three runs in the sixth.
The Bear Cubs dropped the second game of the season, 5-6 at Chabot.
However, they rebounded quickly, defeating Fresno City 3-1 at home. Led by a stellar relief effort of J.J. Jamerson, who covered five and one third innings of one-hit no-run baseball out of the bullpen, earning his first win of the season.
SRJC’s offense was quiet until pushing across its first run on a sacrifice fly by Stafford. The Bear Cubs were able to capture the lead for good in the fourth inning behind a two-run single by shortstop Taylor Martin.
Stafford and Martin, the Bear Cubs’ dynamic double-play duo, are tied for first in the Big 8 conference in batting, hitting .667 this season so far.
It’s not only the double-play partners contributing to the potent Bear Cubs offense. The Bear Cubs have been an on-base machine this season. They have averaged over three and a half walks per game.
It has not been all offense, as the Bear Cubs’ pitching staff has dominated. The Bear Cubs pitching staff have limited opposing teams to a combined .231 batting average and only a .227 slugging percentage.
In comparison the Bear Cubs have a .338 batting average and a slugging percentage of .492 combined as a team this spring.
The Bear Cubs look to continue the early season success in an Alumni game at 11 a.m. Feb. 8 at home.