Isacc Rodriguez set the tone for the San Marcos baseball team in its opener on Friday.
Rodriquez hit the first pitch of the season for a home run, and the Royals scored eight runs in the first three innings en route to an 11-3 victory over Fillmore in the opening game of the Simi Valley Royal Tournament at Joe Mueller Field.
The victory came in the coaching debut of Pete Stathopoulos.
Jimmy Brakka had two hits and drove in the go-ahead run with a two-run single in the second inning. He had three RBIS on the day. Travis Caesar drove in two runs with a hit.
San Marcos had eight hits and took advantage of seven walks.
Defensively, catcher Sean McDuffy threw out three baserunners attempting to steal second base and center fielder Joe Prince made two excellent catches and threw a runner out at third base.
Collin Kenney started on the mound for the Royals and gave up three runs in two innings. Anthony Branch pitched four scoreless innings and Brakka finished the game with a scoreless seventh inning.
“Overall, the Royals played strong defense and benefitted from strong pitching performances from Kennedy, Branch and Brakka,” said assistant coach Mike Sandford.
