Stanford drops both games against Cal State Fullerton to open the season

The Stanford Cardinal welcomed Cal State Fullerton to Palo Alto on Friday for an opening-day doubleheader.

The Cardinal ended up losing both games, being shut out in the first one 4-0 despite sophomore starter Matt Scott striking out nine. He gave up four runs in total, three of which were earned. In terms of run support on offense, Scott got none whatsoever.

Stanford mustered just four hits as it is abundantly clear that a majority of the lineup will still need time to grow into starters after losing as many key players as they did. The Cardinal went into the second game looking to change things up defensively, and also saw freshman southpaw Christian Lim get his first career start.

Jun 17, 2023; Omaha, NE, USA; Stanford Cardinal catcher Malcolm Moore (10) and pitcher Ryan Bruno (34) return to the field after the Wake Forest Demon Deacons score the go ahead run in the eighth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Lim didn't last long in his debut, giving up three runs on four hits and a walk while over 1 2/3 innings. Fullerton went on to score five innings straight, with the fifth inning being their most productive, putting up five runs. The Titans ended up winning 15-6, but the bats did wake up a bit for Stanford in the loss, with Charlie Saum launching his first home run of his career and the season. Jimmy Nati and Saborn Campbell each hit triples that knocked in some runs, and Temo Beccerra also had a couple of hits.

Stanford and Cal State Fullerton will close out the series on Sunday, with Nick Dugan getting the start for the Cardinal.