American River College welcomed the 2026 BIG 8 Conference season in with a whimper, managing just 4 hits against Sierra College and their returning 1^st team all-conference starter Matias Michel.  The Beavers were shut out 5-0 on Wednesday, and Michel handed the Beavers one of their only two shutouts last season, 4-0 in the series opener.  Sophomore RHP Ethan Palumbo (Antelope) wasn't his sharpest but allowed just three runs, two earned through 6 1/3 innings pitched.  The Wolverines tacked on another pair of unearned runs in the 8^th inning to go up 5-0 and put the game essentially out of reach.  The two teams play again Thursday at Sierra College at 2:00 pm, followed by the series finale on Friday at Beaver Field at 1:00 pm.