COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Flener Helps Titans Win Baseball Opener

Cal State Fullerton and pitcher Huck Flener opened the baseball season impressively, leading the Titans to a 6-1 victory over Cal Poly Pomona in a nonconference game Tuesday at Titan Field.

Flener, a junior left-hander, allowed two hits and an unearned run in six innings. Bill Fitzgerald, Rich Faulks and Doug Ketchen each pitched an inning of relief.

Flener, who had four strikeouts, retired the final five batters he faced.

Flener gave credit for his strong outing to his improved changeup.

“It’s a lot better than last year,” he said. “(Last year) I threw it, but I didn’t have as much control. Now I can throw it when I’m behind in the count.”

Fullerton scored four runs in the second inning. David Ayala and Mate Borgogno each had two-run singles. Borgogno added an RBI single in the fourth, giving Fullerton a 5-0 lead.

The Titans’ final run came on Domingo Mota’s home run over the left-field fence.

Fullerton finished with 10 hits, including two each by Borgogno and Ayala.

“We played very well for the first time out,” Fullerton Coach Larry Cochell said.