Timberwolf Cody Raudio ripped a two-run homer in Fort Bragg's baseball season opener versus Tamalpais on Saturday, March 10.

By RON KIM Of the Advocate -
Article Last Updated: 03/15/2007 08:13:05 AM PDT


The Fort Bragg Baseball Team opened up the season with a picture perfect afternoon on Saturday, March 10 when the Wolves hosted the Tamalpais Trojans. The Wolves played relatively well against a talented Trojans' squad, but Fort Bragg dropped both games of the double-header, losing the opener 6-2 and losing the second contest 9-1.

The Trojans benefitted from an early season schedule as the team headed into its ninth game of the season that day. Tamalpais took advantage of the Timberwolves rusty start as Fort Bragg opened up the contest by making numerous errors in the field.

Fort Bragg's defensive miscues enabled Tamalpais to jump ahead by two following the top half of the first inning. The Wolves responded when Matt Freitas moved into scoring position after swiping second base, but he would get no further and the Trojans escaped the first inning leading 2-0.

Timberwolf starting pitcher Everett James displayed good command for his first start, but Fort Bragg's defense continued to struggle. The ball just wasn't bouncing their way as the Wolves ended the top half of the second inning trailing 4-0. Tamalpais nearly added another score in the third inning, but a slick double play turned by second baseman Derek Shea and dug out at first by Richard Tamborini held the Trojans to their first scoreless inning of the contest.

Fort Bragg's defensive effort ignited the offense as third baseman Cody Raudio smoked a two-run homer deep over right center field, cutting the Trojans lead to four. The Wolves nearly added another run, but Brandon Samos was stranded at second, forcing Fort Bragg to settle for the two-run inning.

The Trojans were shut down in the top of the fourth following a dazzling defensive play by center fielder Al Huerta. The ball was hit sharply and was dipping rapidly, but Huerta got a great jump and was fully extended when he made the diving catch.

Fort Bragg's final scoring chance occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning when Tamborini drilled a fastball off the right-center field wall. Tamborini hammered the ball so hard that he was limited to a single on the play. The Wolves were unable to bring him in and the Trojans went on to win by the final of 6-2.

"As far as an outlook on the season, we are optimistic. We have 10 seniors and decided to play a tougher preseason schedule against upper division schools," said Timberwolf Head Coach Dan Lifvendahl. "The reasoning is to challenge our kids early so we are more experienced going into league."