Box Score MESA, ARIZ. – The Embry-Riddle picked up its second season of competition right where it left its first year – lots of hits, lots of runs and excellent starting pitching. The Eagles earned a 9-0 win over Oklahoma Panhandle State on Thursday afternoon, winning its Opening Day game for the first time in program history.
Embry-Riddle scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning, and put up two more three-run innings. ERAU scored three in the third, and three in the fifth, flirting with a run-rule walk-off in the final four frames.
While the offense was impressive, Mitchell Mussler also shined as the Eagles' ace, going six innings and allowing just four baserunners for his first win of the year. Mussler also struck out seven, and was efficient as he threw just 72 pitches.
Roberto Garza-Nunez drove in the first run of the season for the Eagles, as he brought home Gavin Botts with an infield single. Embry-Riddle scratched across eight hits, and Garza-Nunez was the only player to have two hits.
Owen Cain drove in three runs, with his big hit coming in the third inning. Cain extended the Embry-Riddle lead to 5-0 with a two-run single to left, and Cain also had a sacrifice fly in the first.
Parker Cadacio had a great season debut, pitching a strong three innings to earn his first career save. Cadacio allowed just two hits, and also struck out a pair to close out the opening victory of the season.
Embry-Riddle will continue its busy schedule at the Coach Calderon Invitational on Friday as they head to Glendale, Ariz. to take on 12th-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene. First pitch from Glendale High School is scheduled for 5 p.m.
