Broncos Shine in Home Opener Against Cal
In challenging weather, the Santa Clara University baseball team made their 2026 home opener one to remember, defeating the California Golden Bears 10-4 at Stephen Schott Stadium. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Broncos, especially since they previously struggled against a Power-4 team like Cal.
Game Highlights
The game started with a bang. Jacob French of California hit a home run early, giving his team a quick lead. However, Santa Clara responded with a strong game, thanks in part to freshman pitcher Nick Chow, who made a solid debut. He struck out the side in the second inning and finished strong, allowing only a few runs.
Santa Clara’s offense really woke up during the third inning, scoring five runs. Max Ross’s three-run homer contributed greatly to this surge, while Mateo Garcia and Will Anderson added key doubles to the mix. By the eighth inning, the Broncos extended their lead with three more runs, thanks to clutch hits from Ben Cleary, Johnny Luetzow, and again, Max Ross.
Despite California’s attempt to rally in the final inning, Santa Clara’s Hunter Hargett stepped up to close the game with impressive pitching, striking out two batters back-to-back.
Key Performers
The Broncos had several standout players. Cleary, Luetzow, and Ross all went three for five at bat, showcasing their skills with extra-base hits. Thomas Ferroggiaro, recently named the West Coast Conference Player of the Week, reached base three times and scored twice.
For California, French had a solid outing as well, with one hit, two RBIs, and three walks. However, the team’s pitching fell short, with Duncan Russell taking the loss after allowing four runs.
Interesting Stats
- Santa Clara achieved 14 hits on Monday, their highest in a game since facing Stanford the previous season.
- Ferroggiaro’s streak of reaching base now stands at an impressive 22 games, showing his consistent performance.
Looking Ahead
The Broncos are set to face their crosstown rivals, San Jose State, on Wednesday. As always, it’s a matchup to watch, especially given the energy around local games. The rivalry is expected to bring out the best in both teams and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
For updates on the schedule, check the Broncos’ social media or their official website.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos are off to a promising start this season. With their strong team dynamics and young talent, they look ready to take on challenges ahead. Keep an eye on how they progress—this could be a season to remember.
