Box Score
LOS ANGELES — Oxy freshman Nolan Watson gave up just one hit in six innings pitched and the Occidental baseball team erupted for a five-run first inning on its way to an 8-0 win over Drew University at Anderson Field on Monday.
Watson had a perfect game going until surrendering his only hit to Al Krause in the top of the fifth inning. He was hitting his spots with his fastball and keeping hitters off balance with his curveball and slider.
"It all comes down to defense. If you trust those guys back behind me, it makes my job a lot easier," said Watson, who struck out six and only walked one. "Victor Munoz did a good job of calling the game today and coach Luke Wetmore gave me the ball so it made it easy to let things rip."
The bullpen was almost as good after taking over in the seventh. Devon DeRaad, Will Nahmens and Scott Ericksen each through a scoreless inning and didn't allow a hit.
The Tigers offense did most of its damage in the first inning, batting around to score five runs. Munoz, Van Fudge, Chris Strain and Alec Strain all had RBI singles and Johnathan Brooks got hit by a pitch, bringing home the fifth run.
"We had good approaches at the plate and we hit it where they weren't," Wetmore said, adding that none of the hits were shots, just sharp ground balls that got through. "When we are patient and discipline at the plate good things happen."
Chris Strain finished the day 2 for 3 with three RBIs, driving home two more in the fifth with a double off the left field wall. A.J. Libunao also doubled in the inning, bringing home Riley Smith for his second run of the game.
Alec Strain went 2 for 4 and Fudge scored twice.
The Tigers improve to 8-8 overall and are still at 6-3 in SCIAC play.
"We're starting to play our brand of baseball and the results are taking care of themselves," Wetmore said.
The Tigers return to action on Wednesday, hosting Ithaca College at 1 p.m.
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