College Baseball: Fine finish for Facchini

ATHERTON -- Former Hanford West High standout Brennen Facchini closed out his collegiate career by collecting two hits in Menlo College's 5-1 victory over Bethany on Thursday.

Facchini went 2-for-4, recording his first hit in the second inning and then adding an RBI single in the eighth.

Menlo, an NCAA Division III team, finished its season with a 25-15 record, tying the school record for most wins in a season.

Facchini, a senior infielder saw limited action in this season, playing in nine games, including three starts. He batted .273 with a double and three RBIs in 11 at-bats.

Facchini, previously a star first baseman for Hanford West, was one of just three members of the Menlo team to play all four years. He'll graduate next week with a degree in

His sister Morgan is a sophomore catcher for the Biola University softball team, which recently landed a berth in the NAIA Division II playoffs.

Escat strikes out 4

in 3-inning stint for Bulldogs

FRESNO -- Former Hanford High standout Gene Escat turned in a solid three-inning relief stint for Fresno State in the Bulldogs' 12-7 loss to New Mexico State on Saturday night.

Escat gave up two hits and a run, striking out four and walking one in the second game of a doubleheader.

Fresno State was swept, losing the first game, 9-2. The Bulldogs, though, remained in first place in the WAC with a 15-8 record. Fresno is 27-23 overall.

Escat has appeared in 10 games, including one start. The freshman right-hander has yet to gain a decision. His earned run average is 7.71 over 14 innings.