Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, January 25
Fresno, CA
2:05 PM
Fresno State
vs
Alumni Game
Diamond 'Dogs wrap up exciting opening weekend
1/25/2020 8:15:00 PM | Baseball
FRESNO, Calif. -Â Â The Diamond 'Dogs wrapped up a busy opening weekend of activities on Saturday hosting the annual Alumni Game and the Bulldog Baseball Barbecue at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.
After opening practice on Friday, the Bulldogs wasted little time getting to game action taking on the alumni in a six-inning game on Saturday that saw the two sides play to a 4-4 tie.
The 2020 Bulldogs fell behind 2-0 early after the top of the first inning, but a four-run bottom of the third pushed the current 'Dogs in front by a pair. Four straight hits got the Bulldogs offense going as RBI base knocks by sophomore infielder Jeff Jamison, sophomore outfielder EJ Andrews, Jr. and junior outfielder Nate Thimjon each drove in one run apiece while a wild pitch allowed Thimjon to score to put the 'Dogs ahead 4-2.
Two runs by the alumni in the top of the fifth tied the game at four apiece as neither team was able to score for the remainder of the contest.
"This is my favorite day of the year," said head coach Mike Batesole on the Alumni Game. "A lot of these guys I only get to see once a year because they have their own families and careers going and they make the drive here for the weekend and it is really special to see them together having fun. It is very special."
With the weekend getting started on Friday morning with the 40th annual Dugout Club Golf Classic at Dragonfly Golf Club, the festivities continued on Saturday afternoon with the revival of the Old Timers Game as many former Diamond 'Dogs from the past came out to play.
Prior to the alumni game, a dedication was held in honor of the late former Diamond 'Dog Ray O'Canto as it was declared that from now on the old timers game will be called "The Ray O'Canto Old Timers Game" (watch) and it was declared that Jan. 25, 2020 is Ray O'Canto Day in the city of Fresno.
With the excitement of the action on the field wrapped up, the evening concluded with the Bulldog Baseball Barbecue as the 2019 Mountain West championship team received their championship rings and fans got an opportunity to meet the 2020 Bulldogs.
Team awards from 2019 were handed out as McCarthy Tatum and Ryan Jensen shared Co-MVP honors, Zach Ashford was named the Hitter of the Year, JT Arruda was tabbed the Player of the Year, Nolan Dempsey was tabbed the Bulldog of the Year, Davis Moore earned Pitcher of the Year honors, Carter Bins was tabbed the Ironman Award winner and Jaime Arias was named Reliever of the Year.
In addition, fans were treated to a silent and live auction as signed bats by former Diamond 'Dogs and current major league baseball players Austin Wynns, Jordan Luplow and Taylor Ward were made available as well as a signed jersey by current New York Yankee and former Bulldog outfielder Aaron Judge.
The Diamond 'Dogs open the 2020 season on Friday, Feb. 14 at home against UC Irvine at 6:05 p.m. at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Follow us on:Â
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateBSB
Instagram:Â fresnostateathletics
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
After opening practice on Friday, the Bulldogs wasted little time getting to game action taking on the alumni in a six-inning game on Saturday that saw the two sides play to a 4-4 tie.
The 2020 Bulldogs fell behind 2-0 early after the top of the first inning, but a four-run bottom of the third pushed the current 'Dogs in front by a pair. Four straight hits got the Bulldogs offense going as RBI base knocks by sophomore infielder Jeff Jamison, sophomore outfielder EJ Andrews, Jr. and junior outfielder Nate Thimjon each drove in one run apiece while a wild pitch allowed Thimjon to score to put the 'Dogs ahead 4-2.
Two runs by the alumni in the top of the fifth tied the game at four apiece as neither team was able to score for the remainder of the contest.
"This is my favorite day of the year," said head coach Mike Batesole on the Alumni Game. "A lot of these guys I only get to see once a year because they have their own families and careers going and they make the drive here for the weekend and it is really special to see them together having fun. It is very special."
With the weekend getting started on Friday morning with the 40th annual Dugout Club Golf Classic at Dragonfly Golf Club, the festivities continued on Saturday afternoon with the revival of the Old Timers Game as many former Diamond 'Dogs from the past came out to play.
Prior to the alumni game, a dedication was held in honor of the late former Diamond 'Dog Ray O'Canto as it was declared that from now on the old timers game will be called "The Ray O'Canto Old Timers Game" (watch) and it was declared that Jan. 25, 2020 is Ray O'Canto Day in the city of Fresno.
With the excitement of the action on the field wrapped up, the evening concluded with the Bulldog Baseball Barbecue as the 2019 Mountain West championship team received their championship rings and fans got an opportunity to meet the 2020 Bulldogs.
Team awards from 2019 were handed out as McCarthy Tatum and Ryan Jensen shared Co-MVP honors, Zach Ashford was named the Hitter of the Year, JT Arruda was tabbed the Player of the Year, Nolan Dempsey was tabbed the Bulldog of the Year, Davis Moore earned Pitcher of the Year honors, Carter Bins was tabbed the Ironman Award winner and Jaime Arias was named Reliever of the Year.
In addition, fans were treated to a silent and live auction as signed bats by former Diamond 'Dogs and current major league baseball players Austin Wynns, Jordan Luplow and Taylor Ward were made available as well as a signed jersey by current New York Yankee and former Bulldog outfielder Aaron Judge.
The Diamond 'Dogs open the 2020 season on Friday, Feb. 14 at home against UC Irvine at 6:05 p.m. at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Follow us on:Â
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateBSB
Instagram:Â fresnostateathletics
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
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