TAFT – The 2023 Taft College baseball season got off to a tough start as the Cougars lost consecutive games to visiting Feather River College on opening-weekend.

On Friday, TC suffered a 13-5 loss and followed that with a 9-2 defeat to wrap up the two-game series on Saturday.

The Cougars totaled 10 hits in Friday's opener but managed just a run in the bottom of the fifth and eighth innings before putting together a late rally in the ninth to score three runs.

Jesus Cruz (2 for 3, 2B, RBI) had a pair of hits to lead TC at the plate while Josh Gaeta (1 for 1) came through with a pinch-hit, two-run double in the ninth.

Joey Loubert took the loss, allowing 4 earned runs and 6 hits over 4 innings. Keigo Wajima and Fabian Perez tossed scoreless innings in relief.

Taft had a tougher time at the plate in Saturday's contest, collecting just two hits. But the Cougars made them count as Tyler Vanneste and Jesus Cruz hit solo home runs. Vanneste also walked four times for a perfect day at the dish.

Kaleb Hay put together solid start despite taking the loss. He allowed 2 earned runs and 6 hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three. Jacob Canuel, Casey Henderson, and Landon Riley all had scoreless outings.

TC returns to action on Tuesday (Jan. 31) in search of its first win when the Cougars travel to Antelope Valley College for a non-conference game.