REDDING, Calif. -- Academy of Art opened their 2019 season with an offensive explosion, scoring 14 runs in a decisive win over Simpson at Tiger Field. The double-digit figure marks the most runs any ART U team has scored on Opening Day.

"Simpson has a very fine program and came out very aggressive swinging," said head coach Dan McDermott. "We were very fortunate to put together a big inning early in the game that gave us the momentum to take the day."

The offensive onslaught was led by junior outfielder Thomas Delgadillo, who in his first game as a Knight, went 3-4 with a home run, three runs batted in, and three runs. Senior catcher Zak May went 2-5 with three RBIs including the first ART U home run of the season. The Urban Knights ended the day with 16 hits also an opening day record.

"The entire lineup contributed to out attack," said McDermott. "May, Delgadillo and Barcena had the big statistical days but Curiel, Smith, and Dawson set the table."

Simpson was on the board early, scoring in the first inning after a leadoff double and a pair of ground-balls, but the Knights took charge in the 3rd and never looked back.

Junior third-baseman Fabian Barcena started the third inning with a triple to center and claimed the first ART U run of the season when in the next at bat Senior Taj Dawson stroked an infield hit to the left side. Junior outfielder Daniel Curiel dropped down a base-hit bunt and junior shortstop Justin Summers worked a walk loading the bases for senior second baseman Elijah Smith who promptly cleared the bases on a double to left. Delgadillo singled to second to put two on for May who clobbered a home run putting the Urban Knights up 7-1.  

In his next at bat Delgadillo collected his first RBI of the season on a solo home run that soared over the left field fence. Simpson matched it with a home run of their own in the bottom half of the fourth to put the score at 8-2.

Determined to shutdown even the slightest inclination of a Red Hawks' comeback, ART U came right back in the fifth with a vengeance and exploded for six runs. Barcena started the rally for a second time with a single to left and eventually worked his way home. A Summers double knocked in two more and a Delgadillo single another. May singled into center to top off the inning and collect his third run batted in while Delgadillo scored for a third time.

The Red Hawks added two more on a two-run home run in the seventh to put the score at 14-6 where it remained. Junior pitcher Galen Manhard shut the door on the Red Hawks in the ninth and gave Academy of Art their first win of the season.

Senior pitcher and PacWest preseason player of the year Ben Kaser picked up the win, after a solid five innings. Senior pither Gonzo Rios contributed three positive frames and struck out three.  

"Very pleased with the pitching," said McDermott. "Kaser had a solid five innings and only threw sixty one pitches. Rios followed with three innings in difficult rainy conditions and Manhard finished strong in the ninth."

With the win Academy of Art starts the season 1-0 and will look for a series win tomorrow when they take on Simpson at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

"We are happy with a win and looking forward to improving our game tomorrow," added McDermott.