Fullerton falls behind Arkansas early in College World Series opener

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Cal State Fullerton starting pitcher Noe Ramirez (pictured at left) did not fare well in his College World Series debut today in Omaha, surrendering four walks and seven runs to Arkansas in 3 2/3 innings. The Razorbacks extended a pair of two-run leads to 9-2 by the fourth inning.

The Titans rallied for two runs in the fifth to cut their deficit to 9-4.

Coach Dave Serrano of Fullerton (47-14) knew going into the game that his youthful pitching staff would be tested. Ramirez, a 19-year-old freshman from East Los Angeles, entered the game with a 9-1 record and a 2.86 earned-run average. He was relieved by freshman starter Tyler Pill (11-3, 3.95 ERA), who was charged with two earned runs.

The Titans are likely to start Daniel Renken (11-3, 2.36 ERA) in its second game and feature freshman Nick Ramirez (3-1, 2.65 ERA, seven saves) as their closer.

-- Dan Loumena