By Jacques Lanciault

Canadian Baseball Network

The 2021 American college season is underway, with the first games being held in Auburndale, Fla.

In the first game of the 2021 season, Alfonso Villalobos (Kirkland, Que.) made his National Junior College Athletic Association debut for Chipola College as they faced Polk State College of Winter Haven, Fla.

The 19-year-old ABC grad was the starting third baseman and had a strong offensive game, with two hits - including a double - a walk, a run and his first RBI. His performance helped propel his club to a 7-4 win.

After being retired on a long drive to right field in the second inning, Villalobos got his first hit in the fourth. He drove a ball to left field that knocked in a run, creating a 2-2 tie.

In the seventh, Villalobos singled for his second hit of the game.

On day II of the season, RHP-1B Cédric De Grandpre and Villalobos contributed to their team’s victory against South Florida State. De Grandpré (Saint-Simon-de-Bagot, Que.) came into the game in the second inning with the scored tied 1-1.

In his first official outing, the 19-year-old was limited to one inning, but he still earned a win.

After giving up a single to the first batter he faced, the Canadian right-hander recorded his first strikeout, then he forced the next hitter to bounce into a double play.

De Grandpré was in perfect control of his pitches in his 14-pitch outing, throwing 11 strikes. His teammates exploded for seven runs, taking the lead for good and ultimately winning 17-2.

Villalobos had three RBIs, including his first college homer. After laying down a bunt in the third, he knocked in a run. As the second batter in the seventh, with a runner on base, he drove the pitcher’s offering over the left field fence. He finished 1-for-3 with a homer, a sacrifice bunt, a run and three RBIs.