Titan Connection - March 5 edition

The Cal State Fullerton Titans continue to roll along, taking a weekend match-up from the previously 14th ranked Oregon Ducks 2-1. CSF won the first 2 games 8-2 and 9-2 respectively before dropping the finale 9-1. Sunday's game was the first loss of the season for the 10-1 Titans, but the weekend series was enough to propel them up to #10 in the Baseball America rankings.

As for our HarbourCats, they saw limited action in the series with the Ducks. Bryan Conant pitched 1/3 of an inning in the Sunday loss facing two batters. He did give up a hit but also struck out one in middle relief. There was no appearance from the other HarbourCat pitcher - Joe Navilhon - but there was a David Olmedo-Barrera sighting as he came into Sunday's game as a pinch hitter. In his first appearance of the season he drew a base on balls. This Titan team is very strong, so earning playing time will be tough for our baby 'Cats since they are all freshman. With 5 games in the next 6 days though - all against unranked opponents -  there may be a chance to see our boys get some innings/at bats.

Saturday's game had a special meaning for the Titans as they honoured Nick Hurtado, a CSF Titan who passed away following a brave battle with bone cancer. There was a moment or silence before the game and Titan's first baseman Carlos Lopez wore Hurtado's number 56 in his memory.