RAMS’ BATS LEAVE HAGINS, DEVILS FEELING BLUE

By Andrew Marden
VSP Senior Writer

FRESNO, Calif – Bradin Hagins isn’t used to losing.

In fact, Merced College’s sophomore pitcher, a first team all-Central Valley Conference selection from a year ago, hadn’t lost at all in 2009.

Until Thursday.
“He’s one of the best in the country, certainly the best in the league,” said Fresno City head coach Ron Scott after watching his team beat the Blue Devils 10-4 Thursday night, knocking Hagins out in the 7th inning. “I’m pleased. He was throwing 94 miles per hour.”

He’s no longer undefeated, though.

Hagins’ record is still impressive: 9-1. He was charged with nine of the Rams’ ten runs, but his ERA is only 2.58. That’s because in his previous 14 outings, the native of Denair, CA had only given up a total of 13 runs.

“From the first inning on, we got the bats going. We got in Hagins’ head real fast,” said FCC’s Brandon King, whose 2-RBI triple in the bottom of the fourth inning broke a 3-3 tie.

“I’m happy about that…He’s just another pitcher, he’s not anybody special.”

The Kansas City Royals respectfully disagree. They drafted Hagins in the 37th round last year.

“It doesn’t surprise me we hit Hagins,” said Scott, adding, “We’re playing really good baseball. We’re playing as good as we have in a long long time.”

Fresno City (29-11, 17-3 CVC) improved its win streak to five in a row and moved to within a game of first-place Merced (32-7, 18-2 CVC).

“It was a great win for us,” said FCC catcher Zach Sullivan, who contributed four hits including a two-run homerun. “We just need to wait for them to lose.”

“Hopefully we play them again,” says Scott, whose team is 2-2 against the Blue Devils this season. “It’ll be in the state championship.”

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