By Nate Rodriguez, Sports Information Intern

LA VERNE – The Leopards celebrated on top of the mound for the first time this year after scorching the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros in a 9-4 effort on eleven hits in the 2022 season opener. 

The top of the La Verne batting order set the table throughout the game and clean-up hitter junior Brandon Shiota wiped it off with five RBIs. He started the scoring on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the first, yet ultimately sent the CSUDH starter packing after breaking the game open on a bases-clearing triple that had the center fielder hustling overhead, pushing the Leopards lead to 7-0 after two innings. 

Sophomore left-hander Jaylon Fong received the opening day nod from Head Coach Scott Winterburn and delivered three solid innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out three. Senior Sean Holt came on in relief in the fourth, picking up the win over five innings, 

striking out one. Junior Alfredo Frey entered from down under in the ninth, closing the game out in eight pitches – all strikes – from his submarine delivery. 

Sophomore shortstop Anthony Salcedo put pressure on the Toros with three hits including a double, driving in a run and scoring three of his own. Junior center fielder Drew Reddick collected a pair of hits as well as a pair of runs, and Tanner Siffert went a perfect 3-3 on the day with a run scored. Freshman left fielder Logan Reese – the same Reese that plays goalie for head coach Trevor Persson at ULV – collected his first collegiate knock with a single into left field. 

The Leopards open up the season with their first victory, giving them a 1-0 record before traveling to Dominguez Hills tomorrow afternoon, Feb. 5, for their rematch against the Toros at 1pm.