(Walnut, CA) After a a long offseason, the Mt. SAC Baseball Team opened up the 2018 campaign with a convincing, 10-1, win over visiting Victor Valley College in front of a large opening-day crowd.
Mt. SAC sophomore pitcher Mason Corneliussen shined in his six inning starting debut, allowing only three hits, striking out four batters and retiring 11.
"I'm kind of excited about starting this season," said Corneliussen, who had not started in high school or in his freshman year at Mt. SAC. In high school (Cajon H.S.), Corneliussen was a shortstop and pitched only three innings.
"I like it a lot, it's a lot different and you have to prepare differently before a game and at practice."
Corneliussen, faced only two batters over the minimum, using mostly fastballs and some off speed pitches.
Knott was pleased with his sophomore pitcher on the bump in his debut and the team support. "Mason set the tone early by being competitive with his pitches," Knott said.
The Mounties received three innings of relief from Wyatt Regis (2 innings, K) and Charlie Verrone (1 inning, K).
Mountie bats gave Corneliussen plenty of support.
"We got good at bats from Anthony Walters and Michael Sandoval, replied Knott. "As a whole, our offense played well and made the plays."
"The hitting was great and there's nothing better than pitching with the lead," Corneliussen added.
The Mounties banged out 10 hits, led by Walters (3 for 3, Dbl., 3 R, RBI, 2 BB) and Sandoval (3 for 4, 2 R, 2 RBIs, BB).
The Mounties spread the scoring out over four innings, scoring two runs in the first and fourth innings and three runs each in the sixth and eighth innings.
The Mountie also swiped three bases with Sandoval, Dylan Jones and Kyle Koontz stealing one each.
The defense was flawless turning two double plays with no no errors.
Mt. SAC dropped its second game, 9-5, to Glendale on Saturday to even its record to 1-1.
The Mounties return home on Tuesday and Thursday against Fullerton and Mt. San Jacinto respectively. Both games start at 6:00 p.m.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.