As the crowds at Blair Field have grown to watch the annual rivalry series, so too has the excitement of each game. Junior catcher David Banuelos treated the 2,392 fans in attendance to a power-hitting clinic, crushing two home runs during Long Beach State’s 8-5 win against No. 5 Cal State Fullerton Saturday.
“It’s nice getting a few more on the board this year,” Banuelos said. “As a team we strung together a lot of good at bats today and that’s how we were able to score runs.”
The Dirtbags (12-9) followed up a win on Friday night by clinching the non-conference series thanks to an offensive onslaught provided by Banuelos and junior left fielder Lucas Tancas, who was 3 for 4 with three RBIs in the game.
“I’m out here to do whatever it takes to help my team,” Tancas said. “Offensively, I’m just focusing on being more aggressive at the plate.”
Tancas has done it all so far this weekend, now 7 for 8 with three RBIs while playing a perfect left field and even providing some heads-up baserunning.
“Both of those guys are having really quality at-bats,” head coach Troy Buckley. “Tancas has been very consistent even going back to last weekend.”
Junior starting pitcher John Sheaks picked up the win and improved to 2-1. The 6-foot-4-inch right hander started strong then bounced back after giving up three runs in the third inning, including a two-run home run to the Titans (15-7) senior shortstop Timmy Richards, a Long Beach Wilson HS alumni who is no stranger to hitting well at Blair Field.
“Today, was a big day for us especially against a team like Fullerton,” Sheaks said. “My last two outings I gave up a three spot and got pulled but today I persevered and went as far as I could.”
Buckley said that Sheaks had undergone some mechanical adjustments after struggling to have consistent performances on the mound.
“Today was, ‘You better grow up son’”, Buckley said. “If we’re going to get to where we want to go he’s going to need that. I thought he did that and did a good job of giving us a chance today.”
Sheaks finished his outing after throwing 6 1/3 innings allowing four earned runs, five hits, and three strikeouts.
LBSU scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth, both highlighted by Banuelos home runs. That set the series home run ticker at six (three in each game) which is unusually high given Blair Fields’ dimensions.
“If the park is playing like this and it’s windy and light, the ball is going to move,” Buckley said. “It’s a lot more exciting.”
The Dirtbags will have the chance to accomplish something that hasn’t been done in over 15 years when they take the field on Sunday. During the 2002 season was the last time LBSU swept the Titans.
Even though the wins will not count as part of their conference record, Tancas knows exactly what is at stake.
“There is a lot of history between the two teams,” Tancas said. “It’s a big deal. They are going to come out tomorrow with a fire under their ass and we’re going to try to put the pressure on them and get on top early.”
Senior Dave Smith (1-1, 1.29 ERA) will make his second start of 2017 in game three against the Titans’ left hander John Gavin (3-0, 1.65 ERA). First pitch is scheduled at 1 p.m. from Blair Field.