Palm Springs, Calif. – The Palm Springs Power jumped out to an early lead in a 15-4 win over the Inland Valley Legends to open up California Premier Collegiate League play Friday night at Palm Springs Stadium.
The Power never trailed plating four runs in the first frame. A leadoff double from Isaiah Monge (North Carolina A&T) set the table for an inning that included an RBI sac-fly from Noah Blythe (Hawaiʻi Pacific) and an RBI fielder’s choice from Mark Kirkland (Cal Baptist).
An RBI single from Aiden Taurek (St. Mary’s) tacked on another run in the second, as Taurek continued his scorching start to the season. Over his last three games, he is 9-14 and leads the Power with 9 RBI.
The Power’s crooked number came in the 5th inning. Palm Springs sent 11 batters to the plate and came away with six runs. Three of those 11 batters were making their Power debuts. Aidan Perez (Cal State Northridge), Alonso Reyes (UC Irvine) and Cody Kashimoto (St. Mary’s) all contributed hits with Reyes and Kashimoto grabbing their first RBI as members of the Power. In total, the trio went 5-12 with three runs scored on the night.
Josh Martinez got the nod on the bump tossing three innings. He allowed just one run on one hit and finished with four strikeouts.
Winning pitcher Connor Batzer (Cal State San Bernardino) pitched the Power out of their biggest trouble in the fourth inning. Batzer inherited a bases loaded, no outs situation. He proceeded to strike out the first Legend batter looking and then induced a 4-6-3 double play to secure a scoreless frame. He finished with two runs given up in three innings of work.
Kenny Schechter (LSU-Shreveport) and Trevor Stowe (Washington State) then combined to pitch three innings of one run baseball to preserve the victory for Palm Springs. Schecter shined as he struck out the side in a perfect 7th inning.
The Power have opened up the 2024 season with a record of 5-0 running their winning streak to 24 straight wins, dating back to last season.
The Power continue action on Saturday against the Legends with first pitch slated for an early start time of 5 PM. Palm Springs Stadium will host Micromania, presented by The Dragon’s Den. Professional wrestlers will jump into the ring in a night of fun for all ages after the game. Tickets provide admission to both the game and postgame wrestling event. Gates open at 4:30 PM.
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The Palm Springs Power are a summer collegiate baseball team playing all games at Palm Springs Stadium. The Power are a member of the California Premier Collegiate League and the league’s inaugural champions in 2023. Palm Springs has won nine league championships in 19 seasons of playing baseball in the desert dating to 2004.
Stay up-to-date with the Palm Springs Power at palmspringspowerbaseball.com and by following the Power on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok.
Fans can buy tickets every gameday at the stadium box office. Palm Springs Stadium is located at 1901 E Baristo Road in Palm Springs. Fans can also tune in on the Palm Springs Power YouTube to watch every home game live.
For more information, visit palmspringspowerbaseball.com or call (760) 778-4487.
