WHITTIER, CA – The Caltech baseball team started SCIAC play with a 12-2 setback against Whittier on Friday afternoon.

The Poets got on the board in the first evening when Christian Loera doubled home Corey Jensen. Caltech starter Jerome Skelly held them scoreless the rest of the inning and kept them off the board in the second inning as well.

Whittier did most of the game's damage in the third inning. The home squad put up an eight spot on the scoreboard. Jonathan Whipple and Cody Martinez each drove in two runs during the frame as Whittier upped their lead to 10-0.

Caltech quickly responded with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. Albie Laving scored the Beavers first run of the game. Mason Freedman drove home Brian Penserini with the visitors second run of the game. During the frame Caltech strung together four hits.

Freedman had a pair of hits and an RBI for the Beavers.

The Poets put the game out of reach with a pair of runs in the fifth inning then ended the game in the seventh with a single run.

Ben Cerami went all seven innings for the Poets on the mound. He struck out six and gave-up six hits. At the plate Jensen went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.  Julian Barzilli had a 2-for-4 day with a home run as he scored twice and drove in an additional two.

The three-game set continues on Saturday with a doubleheader at Caltech. The first game is slated to begin at 11 a.m.