Bulldogs open season with rout of Laney

SAN MATEO – The 2023 College of San Mateo baseball season got off to a tremendous start as the Bulldogs totaled 16 hits on their way to a 20-4 opening-day victory over Laney College on Friday.

 CSM, ranked No. 12 in the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association Northern California preseason poll, wasted little time, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning and was ahead 11-0 after four innings.

Chris Schuchart (2 for 3) had a huge day at the plate. He hit a two-run triple and smashed a three-run home run on his way to a team-high 5 RBI. Connor Hennings (2 for 3) smacked a pair of doubles to drive in three runs and Zach Lewis (1 for 1) went deep for a three-run home run.

Karl Peters and Vicente Feliciano both had 2 RBI while Marcus Aranda added two hits and scored four runs.

Noel Valdez pitched well in the opening-day start. He tossed four scoreless innings, allowing five hits while striking out five. Connor Uter was credited with the win after three innings of relief. Alex Galvin closed out the victory with a pair of scoreless innings.

CSM is back in action on Sunday (Jan. 29) to open a two-game non-conference series at home against College of the Siskiyous.