From LBCC reports

The Long Beach City College baseball team suffered a 9-2 non-conference loss at Irvine Valley College in both teams’ 2009 season opener.  The Vikings (0-1) couldn’t hold on to a late 2-1 lead as Irvine Valley (1-0) rallied for eight runs in the bottom of the eighth to pull out the win.

LBCC took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Brian Loard’s fielder’s choice ground out plated Michael Schultz and Hector Iribe.  Blake Golding pitched well for the Vikings in his first start, allowing one run and five hits over five innings.

Chris Mieszala (0-1) earned the loss, allowing four runs and four hits in 1 2/3 innings pitched.   Five Irvine Valley pitchers held the Vikings to just five hits in the contest. Loard and Iribe both went 2 for 4 to lead LBCC at the plate.

Long Beach returns to action this weekend when it will compete at the three-day Bakersfield College tournament. The Vikings open play on Friday (Jan. 30) at 10am against Golden West College.