Irvine Valley's baseball team had its chances against Fullerton in Tuesday's Orange Empire Conference home game.
The Lasers were tied, 1-1, through three innings, but Fullerton scored five runs in the top of the fourth inning and antoher two runs in the top of the fifth and went on to a 12-4 victory.
The two teams play again in the second game of the three-game series on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Fullerton.
IVC hosts the final game of the series on Friday at 1 p.m.
Fullerton took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but IVC answered and tied the game in the bottom of the third on a RBI double to left center by freshman left fielder Kaden Aimer.
But the Hornets took control in the top of the fourth inning, taking a 6-1 lead.
The big blows were two-run singles by Nate Pone and Diego Vazquez.
Sean Green added a two-run home run for the Hornets in the top of the sixth inning.
IVC sophomore catcher Shane Flynn brought the Lasers to within 9-4 in the bottom of the sixth with a three-run shot.
But it wasn't enough.
Vazquez hit a three-run homer for the Hornets in the top of the seventh inning.
Irvine Valley was led by freshman right fielder John Uchtyl. He went 2 for 4 with a run scored and Flynn, who was 1 for 4 with a run scored, a home run and three RBI.
For Fullerton, Green went 5 for 6 with two RBI and Vazquez was 3 for 5 with two runs scored and five RBI.
Sophomore right-hander Andres Hernandez took the loss for Irvine Valley. He threw four innings and gave up nine hits and six runs with one walk and one strikeout.
