Gustafson’s complete game carries Falcons to victory over Santa Rosa

Folsom Lake sophomore relief pitcher-turned-starter Shane Gustafson fired a complete game four-hitter on Friday afternoon, leading the Falcons to a 3-1 victory at Santa Rosa and a series win over the Bear Cubs.  Gustafson's counterpart from Santa Rosa, Patrick Keamoai, was nearly as sharp as he held the Falcons to one run on four hits in his seven innings.  But Gustafson kept the Bear Cubs in check all afternoon, allowing just two harmless singles through the first eight innings.  In the ninth, a one out double and a two out single – the only time the Bear Cubs had more than one baserunner all day – led to Santa Rosa's only run of the game and spoiled the possible shutout.  The Falcons, meanwhile, had added two insurance runs in the top half of the ninth that turned out to be huge.  Right fielder Aidan Malm led off the ninth with his team-leading ninth home run to make it 2-0.  After a walk and a sacrifice bunt, Josh Winkler scored on a Bear Cub throwing error for a 3-0 lead. 

Since Gustafson was moved into the starting rotation on March 19, he has started five games for the Falcons and all have resulted in FLC victories.  He's pitched 32-1/3 innings and allowed just four earned runs, an astounding 1.12 ERA.  During that span, he's walked just four batters while striking out 25 for an impressive .80 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched). 

The Falcons will face Big 8 co-leader Sierra this week, with home games on Tuesday evening (5:00 pm) and Saturday afternoon (1:00 pm).