The Arcata Tigers got the Big 5 off to a winning start in baseball with a 9-1 win at Fortuna on Tuesday, in a game that was officially called after six innings due to darkness.

The win lifts the Tigers to 1-0 in conference play and keeps them unbeaten on the season at 11-0.

The Huskies, who were plagued by miscues and had seven errors, fell to 0-1 in the Big 5 and 2-5 overall.

“They’re a quality team,” Fortuna head coach Andy Olsen said. “They play typical Arcata baseball. They play near error free on defense, they throw strikes and they don’t give up free passes. And they bunt well.

“We have to play a lot better. Against any team, if you spot them seven errors and half a dozen walks, you limit your chances.”

Merick Sears continued his impressive season for the Tigers, pitching well once again for the win.

Sears gave up just the one run on two hits and had nine strikeouts and no walks.

Sheaden Kadle took the loss, but pitched just 1.2 innings before being forced from the game with an injury.

Olsen said, they’ll know more about his status in a few days.

Kadle gave up four runs, just one earned.

At the plate for Arcata, Mason Trapkus set the tone early with an RBI double in the first inning.

And once again, the Tigers got offensive contributions from several players, including Alex Gorge, who finished 2-for-4.

Sears, Jaden Gorge, Vincent Agliolo, Xavier Finegan and Asher Meadows each also finished with a hit for Arcata.

Daeden Taylor and Regan Nyberg each finished with a hit for Fortuna.

“They’re a good team that deserves to be 11-0, but the flip side of that is we need to play baseball,” Olsen said.

The Huskies will get the opportunity to get back on track when they travel to Arcata for a doubleheader on Saturday.

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.