The bleacher creatures didn’t have to wait very long for a free souvenir to land in their laps. Cal State Fullerton senior shortstop Timmy Richards got his team rolling with a three-run blast into seats in left-center field after only one out was recorded in the 2017 College World Series.
Oregon State right-hander Jake Thompson struggled with his command from the onset of the game. The only strikes he recorded against Fullerton leadoff hitter Scott Hurst were pitches that Hurst hit into the seats in foul territory. Hurst eventually drew a walk, as did first baseman Dillon Persinger after a sacrifice bunt moved Hurst to second.