AUSTIN, Texas -- The George Fox baseball team opened their 2024 season with an electric performance over Schreiner University in Texas, putting on a clinic with both their bats and on the mound to take the win, 20-3.

How It Happened
The Bruins got on the board immediately, capitalizing on several early errors from Schreiner. After going down two outs early, Jeremy Sangalang walked and scored on a throwing error to first base during Carson Coulter's at-bat. Jonathan Stone was next — and was sure to deliver, singling to center field and scoring Coulter on an incredible slide into home plate. Fox would bring in their final run of the inning after a single from Bleu Ellis, taking a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the first.

Caleb Debban held Schreiner to no runs in the first, and the Bruins offense struck again in the second inning, led by a double from Meffert that scored Ty Davis. A bunt from Sangalang scored Meffert, a sacrifice fly from Coulter drove in Evan Balingit, and another single from Stone brought in Sangalang. By the bottom of the second inning, the Bruins had total control of the game, leading 7-0.

Schreiner was able to creep back into the ball game during the third and fourth innings, holding George Fox to zero runs while tacking on three of their own. From there, however, the Bruins put on a clinic. 

In the top of the fifth inning, both Davis and Meffert were walked before scoring on a deep double from Evan Balingit. Sangalang kept his foot on the gas, immediately following Balingit's double with an RBI single. Coulter then singled before Jonathan Stone continued to impress with another double — the pair driving home two more runs to extend Fox's lead, 12-3.

The Bruins would have another huge inning in the seventh, scoring six runs on four hits. The inning opened with a double from Eastman, followed by two straight walks, giving the Bruins loaded bases. A single from Meffert drove Eastman home before a double from Coulter brought in two more RBIs from Balingit and Meffert. An RBI single from Bleu Ellis rounded out their scoring, bringing home Sangalang and widening the gap to 17 runs. 

George Fox closed out the game by holding Schreiner to zero hits in the final three innings, cruising to a 20-3 victory to open their 2024 campaign. The 20 runs were the most since their 20-5 win over Cal Lutheran in 2019.

Top Performances
In his first game back from Tommy John surgery, Noah Meffert was on fire, finishing 3-5 with two RBIs. Jeremy Sangalang scored four runs while driving in three RBIs and swiping two bags. Carson Coulter was also lethal offensively, batting 2-4 with 5 RBIs and hit a double. Ty Davis was 2-3 with a double in an extremely well-rounded team effort with Evan Balingit, Jonathan Stone, and Mason Eastman collecting extra-base hits on the way to the win.
 
On the mound, Caleb Debban held Schreiner to six total hits and three runs in the opening five innings, while recording five strikeouts. Freshman Jack Galanida was also impressive in his debut for Fox, holding Schreiner to no hits and collecting seven strikeouts in his three innings pitched.

Coach's Thoughts
"Really great way to start the year," Bruin head coach Kevin Kopple said, "I think it's exciting for our guys to understand what they are capable of offensively and on the mound. Now, we just have to keep working and continue to get better each game."

What It Means
The Bruins open their 2024 season with a win, while Schreiner falls to 1-3 early in their season.

What Comes Next
Fox will look to continue this momentum tomorrow, in a doubleheader that includes games against Concordia Texas and Schreiner. The first game is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. PST.