Fullerton starting pitcher Randall Ortiz made opening day a memorable one, leading the Hornets baseball team to a 1-0 shutout victory.

The Hornets posted the only run of the game in the third inning with some station to station smallball. Freshman outfielder Joey Parente, started off the inning with a single. Sophomore shortstop Justin Row, then moved Parente over to second with a groundout to second base. Laine Huffman, hit into an out at first base, advancing Parente to third base. Finally sophomore outfielder Austin O’ Banion then hit a shot down the third base line for a single. Parente easily walked in for the game’s lone score.

Ortiz kept the Hornets in the game, tossing a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts. Head coach Nick Fuscardo was happy with Ortiz, who was making his first start after occupying the closer role for the Hornets last season.

“He got stronger as the game went on,” said Fuscardo. “He had 11 strikeouts today he was outstanding.”

Fuscardo had the closer get loose, but made the decision to keep Ortiz on the mound when Ortiz asked to stay in and finish.

“I just felt the adrenaline flowing through me, I didn’t want to come out of the game,” said Ortiz.

“We have a great ball club, good kids here, this season is going to be a magical one you just watch,” said Fuscardo.

The Hornets (2-0) are on the road Saturday at Palomar College to battle it out one more time. Game time starts at 1:00pm.