Culver City, Calif. - Freshman designated hitter Herbie Lane earned extra base hits, including going yard, to lead the Falcons to an 11-8 win over West LA on Thursday afternoon in the team's first game in SoCal.
After digging an early hole, allowing seven runs in the second, the Falcons chipped away at the Wildcats' lead, scoring three runs each in the seventh and eighth innings.
Lane counted a double and his two-run homer in his 2-for-5 performance at the plate, adding a pair of runs. Sophomore centerfielder Wellington Balsley led all Falcon batters with a 3-for-6 outing with a RBI and two runs scored. And freshman third baseman added a 2-for-3 day with the team's other double, adding two runs and a RBI.
Sophomore righty Eddie Vokes (1-0) earned the win, relieving sophomore Edgar Aqui-Cruz in the seventh inning. Vokes allowed only one hit, while striking out a pair. Aqui-Cruz earned three strikeouts in his six innings pitched.
Solano (3-10) remains in Southern California, heading to LA Mission next on Friday, Feb. 28 for a 2 p.m. first pitch.