Tempe, Ariz. – Freshman
Charlie Welch of the Pepperdine baseball team hit a grand slam in his first collegiate at-bat, helping kick-start the team's first win of the season, 11-0 over CSU Bakersfield.
The Waves (1-0) had a huge first inning, scoring six runs, which was backed up by a stellar performance from 2018 West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year
Jonathan Pendergast to defeat the Roadrunners (0-1).
BIG WAVES
- Freshman catcher Charlie Welch (Clearwater, Fla./Jefferson HS) went 2-3 on the day, including his grand slam in his first collegiate at bat.
- Senior RHP Jonathan Pendergast (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic HS) had a great first outing. His final line was 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 K, 3 BB.
- Senior outfielder Matthew Kanfer (Playa del Rey, Calif./L.A.C.E.S.) went 2-5 with 2 RBI.
- Sophomore infielder Billy Cook (Monument, Colo./Lewis Palmer HS)
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Waves wasted no time in the opening game of the season, with
Quincy McAfee reaching second on an error. He was brought in on a single from
Matthew Kanfer after
Cory Wills walked. Wills scored on a
Billy Cook single. After
Greg Mehlhaff walked, Welch came up and drilled a ball into left field. It sailed over the fence for a grand slam in his first collegiate at-bat. After the first inning of play, the Waves led 6-0.
In the second inning, McAfee again reached base, this time doubling to right-center. He was advanced to third base on a Wills single, and then brought in to score thanks to a Kanfer single.
Mike Malinchak then scored Wills from second on a single into right. The Waves led 8-0 after two innings.
The game was scoreless again until the eighth inning, when
Aharon Modlin hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly, scoring Cook. McAfee then hit into a fielder's choice, scoring
Saul Sandoval-Estrada, who pinch-hit for Mehlhaff.
Reese Alexiades, who pinch-hit for Wills then singled up the middle, scoring
Wyatt Young. The three runs brought the game to its final 11-0 score.
NOTABLES
- The 11-0 score was the widest margin of victory in an opening game since 2017, when the Waves beat St. Joseph's 8-0.
- This is the third year in a row that the Waves have won their opening game.
UP NEXT
The Waves take on Cal on Saturday, with first pitch at 4 p.m. PT.
FOLLOW
Follow @PeppBaseball on Facebook and Twitter for immediate updates, results and more. Go to PepperdineWaves.com for all information, releases and schedules.
