From a reliever to starter, pitcher Matt Feldman worked his way up and proved many wrong in Thursday’s game against Mission College.
“Usually your best pitchers are starters,” Pierce College head coach John Bushart. “He has moved himself up and has made the most improvement out of all.”
Feldman pitched for seven and two thirds innings throwing more than 100 pitches. This was a big factor in the top of the eight inning as he gave up a run on a wild pitch that led the Eagles to their 2-1 win.
“I kind of hit a wall at the end,” Feldman said. “It’s bitter sweet because I feel like I pitched well.”
Regardless of his mistakes, Feldman had four strikeouts and was able to keep the Eagles to four hits and two unearned.
Relief pitcher Julian Achez came into the inning with runners on first and third with one out left.
Though Pierce’s offense didn’t perform, Feldman’s control of the game kept the Eagles from scoring and having a lead over the Brahmas.
“We had opportunities offensively, not that you expect to get hits but somewhere that’s how you win ball games,” said Bushart.
The game mainly consisted on fly balls and singles from both teams due to strong pitching and solid defense, the first run was scored by the Eagles with a sacrifice hit.
“It was all pitching and defense, they did a good job keeping them on balance for seven innings,” said Mission College head coach Joe Cascione
Earlier in the season, Bushart mentioned that their inability to bring all the factors of the game, pitching, defense, and offense together was and continues to be the biggest and most influential challenge.
“Its just a matter of putting those three together to get a win,” said Feldman.
Pierce baseball will have a chance to respond to the Eagles on Saturday at El Cariso Park starting at 1 p.m.
