Defending champion Beckman opens Pacific Coast League with 6-0 victory over Portola

Beckman catcher Jack Harney tags out Portola’s Paul Murrow on a throw from Nick McLain in left field Friday. (Photos courtesy Rosalene Ledendecker, For OC Sports Zone)

Beckman’s baseball team, the defending Pacific Coast League champion, opened the league season Friday with a 6-0 victory over Portola at Beckman.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Nick McLain makes a great play in left field to throw out a Portola runner at home.

Alec Gomez of Beckman slides into second base during Friday's game.

The Beckman pitchers head out to the bullpen for Friday's game with Portola.

It was Portola’s first varsity league game.

Trevor Ernt started and pitched the first five innings for Beckman, allowing three hits and striking out five to improve his record to 4-0.

Justin Goldstein did not allow a hit in one inning, Nik Krutiak pitched 2/3 of an inning with no hits and Sean Ledendecker pitched 2/3 of an inning and did not allow a hit.

“It was a nice way to open league,” said Beckman Coach Kevin Lavalle. “We pitched well and ran the offense and there was definitely a different vibe knowing it was a league game.

Sean McLain led Beckman with three hits and “set the table for a lot of guys,” Lavalle said.

Beckman (6-2) plays at Irvine (6-1) Tuesday afternoon. The Vaqueros opened the season Friday with a 2-1 victory over Woodbridge. (please click here to see the story)

“Hopefully the rain holds off here next week, because we have a great energy right now,” Lavalle said.

Portola (3-4, 0-1) hosts University Tuesday at 3 p.m.