The Irvine Valley baseball team received an excellent start from sophomore right-handed pitcher Caden Byers that led to a 4-3 nonconference victory over San Diego City on Friday at home.
Both teams went into the game with records of 2-1 and the Lasers improved their mark to 3-1 overall.
Byers pitched an impressive seven shutout innings. He gave up no runs with just seven hits and not walks allowed. Byers struck out six Knight batters.
The Lasers scored early to take control of the contest.
Sophomore catcher Jimmy Zakhar got IVC on the board with an RBI groundout in the bottom of the second inning.
Freshman shortstop Wyatt Fischer added an RBI single to put the Lasers up, 2-0.
Irvine Valley added two more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Freshman designated hitter Nomar Vasquez had an RBI single and sophomore second baseman Conner Hoskinson followed with an RBI hit to move the Lasers' lead to 4-0.
The contest stayed that way until the top of the eighth inning when San Diego City scored three runs.
Isaiah Hilke had the big hit of the frame, knocking in two runs to make it a 4-3 contest.
Irvine Valley freshman right-handed relief pitcher Colin Rhee closed things out in the ninth, to earn the save.
It was his first save of the year for the Lasers.
Byers also picked up his first victory of the year for IVC.
Freshman right fielder Kade Murray went 2 for 4 with one RBI and Zakhar was 2 for 4 with one RBI to lead the Lasers at the plate.
Irvine Valley is back at it at home on Saturday at noon against Grossmont.
