FULLERTON, Calif. - Freshman Malcolm Moore went 2 for 4 with his first career home run to begin his collegiate career, but No. 3 Stanford (0-1) suffered an 8-1 defeat at the hands of Cal State Fullerton (1-0) to open the 2023 season on Friday night from Goodwin Field.
Moore's home run came in his first career at bat, as he launched a Tyler Stultz pitch over the wall in right field to tie the game at 1-1 in the second inning.
Five Stanford pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts in the setback.
Senior Quinn Mathews (0-1) started and took the loss on the mound for the Cardinal. The left-hander went five innings, giving up two runs on five hits, allowing two walks and striking out six.
Stultz (1-0) collected the victory after tossing five innings and allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out seven. Senior Fynn Chester finished the game for the Titans, throwing four shutout innings to wrap up the victory.
The Titans were led offensively by sophomore Maddox Latta, who went 3-for-4 with three doubles.
Stanford will look to even the series on Saturday when the two teams continue the three-game set at 5 p.m.
GAME NOTES
» Stanford opened the season against Cal State Fullerton for the 10th time since 2000 (11th time overall)
» Carter Graham (0 for 2, 2 BB) had a four-game hit streak snapped
» With a walk, Braden Montgomery has reached in 27 consecutive games dating back to last season
» Eddie Park (1 for 4) extended his hit streak to 14 games (.500, 27x54, 11 R, 4 2B, 4 RBIs)
» Stanford is now 49-15-1 overall on Opening Day since 1959