The Hornets’ hot start was short lived and forgotten with the eventual loss. OCC was able to score in three straight innings to take the lead an never look back.

The Pirates used small-ball to manufacture runs in innings five, six, and seven. All the runs were brought in by singles and the Pirates scored only one run in each of the innings.

The Hornets jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning after back to back doubles from Austin O’Banion and Shane Carrier. The doubles happen to be the only hits from the Hornet offensive leaders on the day.

OCC came back in the 3rd inning with two runs of their own on a bases loaded double by John Balliet. The Pirates out hit the Hornets 12-5.

“We just weren’t ourselves today, we didn’t hit well, we didn’t pitch well, but that’s baseball,” said Fullerton Head Coach Nick Fuscardo. “They’re a good ball club and waited for their pitches until we gave it to them, and it worked.”

After the Hornets regained the lead in the 4th inning the Pirates were able to take their first lead, and win of the series.

Hornet Laine Huffman was able to drive in a run in the seventh, but the Hornets were not able to get much going at the plate.

“If we play the game right and how I know my guys can, we will beat the guys and take the series and the week,” Fuscardo said.

Fullerton (19-4, 7-1) will meet at OCC (12-11, 3-5) Saturday to decide the series. The game is scheduled to start at noon. The Hornets have not lost a series to any team thus far and will be eager to get back to their winning ways. The Hornets will start another conference series Tuesday at home with conference rival Cypress. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The matchup will be between the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the Southern Division according to the Community College Baseball Coaches Association.