Pitcher Nick Quezada’s seven scoreless innings led the Cerritos College baseball team to open its season with a 9-0 victory over Fullerton College on Thursday.

The team’s offensive surge began in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run single from right fielder Hector Gomez, who went four-for-five on the day with four RBIs.

Another key player in the Falcons’ victory was left fielder Lorenzo Brunetti, who contributed defensively with a diving catch in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Regarding the team’s defensive work, Brunetti said, “We were on point. Our defense was paying attention and everyone did his  job.”

Despite struggling to get past the first inning, Quezada kept the Fullerton offense at bay.

Along with not allowing any runs from the Hornets, Quezada struck out eight batters and only allowed four hits on the day.

Both Brunetti and Falcons Head Coach Ken Gaylord credited Quezada as the key to the team’s victory.

Brunetti said, “He hit his spots and he was commanding every pitch in his arsenal very well.”

Gaylord also described Quezada’s pitching as being “in command.”

Other key offensive players included catcher Vince Perry, who went one for four, scoring the team’s final run, and first baseman Tim Soonthorngarun, who went two for four, driving in RBIs in the third and fifth innings.

Gaylord believes the Falcons’ shutout victory is a contributing factor to the team’s momentum as the season begins.

“We played with confidence and did the things that we’re going to have to be able to do to be successful,” Gaylord said.

He also mentioned that the Falcons’ victory is an indicator of his goals for the season.

“We just have to establish ourselves and play in a way that everyone buys into. This is what we’re going to have to do to win. I was really impressed that, with the first game, we did that.”