The Irvine Valley baseball team might have dropped the first two games to Riverside in their Orange Empire Conference series.
But it was a different story on Saturday afternoon at home for the Lasers.
And the story was freshman righthander Zack Marker. He made his best start of the year, pitching a complete-game, shutout, four-hitter to lead IVC to a 8-0 win over the Tigers.
Marker threw 107 pitches, but cruised in most innings with the help of freshman catcher Aaron Serrato, who also added two hits on the day.
Marker allowed just four hits and two walks with four strikeouts in the win.
Marker faced just 34 batters on the day. He improved his record to 3-4 on the mound.
"It was a signature performance," Irvine Valley coach Kent Madole said. "It is what we all know he can do."
The Laser offense gave him tons of support, especially in the bottom of the seventh inning when Irvine Valley scored five runs to put the game away.
Irvine Valley finished with 12 hits in the game and seven RBI.
Several IVC players had multiple hits, including standout freshman leftfielder Drew Seidel, who led the way by going 3 for 5 with a run scored, a double and driving in four runs.
He had a key, three-run double down the left field line to help break the game open in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Sophomore star centerfielder Shane Stafford, who recently committed to NCAA Division I UNLV, went 3 for 4 with a home run, a walk and a run scored.
Stafford gave Irvine Valley an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning with a deep, solo shot to right field.
Freshman designated hitter Shaun McCaghren also contributed to the Lasers' offense with two hits, including a double.
And freshman second baseman Chase Quezada and sophomore shortstop Conner Hoskinson also each scored a run and had an RBI for IVC.
Irvine Valley is back at it next week with two more home games.
The Lasers start an OEC series against Fullerton on Tuesday at home at 2 p.m. Irvine Valley plays at Fullerton Thursday and then will host the Hornets on Friday.
