Sotomayor homers and drives in 2 RBIs to help lead the Panthers past Fullerton 12-4 in game 1 of their 3 game series
Sacramento City Dominates Fullerton, 12-4
Sacramento City defeated Fullerton 12-4 in a commanding performance on February 20, 2025. The game saw a powerful offensive showing from the Sacramento City lineup, who capitalized on key opportunities to pull away in the middle innings. Despite a strong start by Fullerton, the Panthers' explosive six-run sixth inning proved to be the difference.
Early Scoring Exchange
The game began with both teams trading runs. In the second inning, Sacramento City took a 1-0 lead when Jackson Norton singled to bring in Eddie Fines. Fullerton responded in the third with Jake Larson's RBI single to tie the game at 1-1. The Hornets then went ahead 3-1 in the fourth, as Dillon Anderson and Diego Vazquez each drove in a run. However, Sacramento City quickly answered in the bottom of the inning, tying the game 3-3 when Jackson Blakley reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Norton and Tyson Mayberry.
Fullerton's Brief Lead
The Hornets briefly regained the lead in the top of the fifth when Nate Pone doubled in Luke Viola, making it 4-3. However, Sacramento City's offense came alive in the bottom of the inning. Levi Sotomayor tied the game with a solo homer, and the Panthers added two more runs in the sixth to take a 6-4 lead.
Panthers Pull Away
Sacramento City erupted in the sixth inning, scoring six runs to break the game wide open. Sotomayor's RBI fielder's choice started the rally, and the Panthers took advantage of a passed ball, a single by Kaden Isola, and an RBI bunt single from Mayberry to extend their lead to 10-4. They added two more runs in the seventh, with Fines and Mayberry each driving in a run, making it a 12-4 lead.
Dominant Pitching by Sacramento City
On the mound, Brady Wilson started for Sacramento City and pitched three solid innings, allowing one run on one hit while striking out five. Drew Brown (W, 1-0) earned the win with three innings of relief, giving up three runs and striking out three. Dylan Burke and Ken Blankenship each followed with scoreless innings, sealing the win with a combined 15 strikeouts and no walks.
Fullerton Struggles to Contain Sacramento City's Offense
Fullerton's pitching staff struggled to contain Sacramento City's lineup, with Julian Castro (L, 0-1) taking the loss after allowing four runs in 4.2 innings. The Hornets' bullpen couldn't stop the bleeding, as Peyton Lee, Ashton McNaughton, Mason Smith, and Kenny Gallardo each allowed runs in their brief appearances. Fullerton managed just four hits, and despite getting runners in scoring position, they couldn't capitalize on key opportunities.
Key Performances:
Sacramento City:
- Jackson Blakley – 1-for-5, 2 RBIs
- Levi Sotomayor – 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBIs
- Eddie Fines – 3-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 R
- Jackson Norton – 3-for-4, 3 RBIs
- Drew Brown (W) – 3.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 SO
Fullerton:
- Nate Pone – 1-for-3, 2B, 1 RBI
- Jake Larson – 1-for-3, 1 RBI
- Trevor Schmidt – 1-for-4
- Julian Castro (L) – 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 SO
