Shusterich Homers, Drives in Four and Earns in the Save in Hancock Baseball's 9-1 Win Over Irvine Valley

Freshman Jake Shusterich homered for the second straight day, drove in four runs and picked up the save during the Allan Hancock College baseball team's 9-1 win over Irvine Valley on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs improved to 6-5 overall and 6-0 at home to open the 2018 season. Irvine Valley fell to 7-6 overall.

The Lasers scored first in the second inning, but Hancock outscored the Irvine Valley 9-0 the rest of the way. Shusterich tied it in the third by grounding into a fielder's choice that allowed Quinntin Perez to score on the play.

It remained tied at 1-1 until the fifth when Nick Proffitt clubbed a two-run home run, his second home run of the season, to take a 3-1 lead. Chad Jones and Reed Odland added RBI-doubles later in the inning to help the Bulldogs build a 5-1 lead with a four-run frame.

The Bulldogs put it out of reach in the sixth when Shusterich sent one over the fence with two runners on base. The three-run blast, his second home run of the year, capped the scoring and gave Hancock a 9-1 lead.

Phillip Martin earned the win in relief with four shutout innings. The sophomore allowed five hits and strick out two. Jesse Gasca started and allowed one unearned run and one hit in two innings. The freshman allowed one walk and struck out one.

Shusterich preserved the win with three shutout innings. He allowed one hit and struck out two.

Hancock outhit the Lasers 15 to seven. Brendan Gomez went 3-for-4 to lead the Bulldogs. Odland, Jones, Cordell Bowie and Daniel Curiel each had two hits in the win.

Hancock returns to action Thursday, Feb. 22 at Cypress. First pitch will be at 2 p.m.