The Franklin brothers are enjoying a good start to the new baseball for the Fortuna Huskies.

On Wednesday, senior Drew and freshman Tanner combined on the mound to lead their team to a 7-3 win over South Fork in Fortuna.

The older brother got the start and threw six strong innings for the victory.

In the seventh inning head coach Max Betts asked Drew if he wanted to finish the game or hand the ball to his younger sibling, and the senior team leader opted for the latter, while cheering Tanner on from the dugout.

Tanner, who was just moved up from the JVs, got his first taste of varsity action and did not disappoint while throwing a scoreless inning to preserve the four-run lead and close out the game.

Blayne Barrote led the way at the plate for the home team and finished 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles in big moments.

Tyler Schlesiger also had a good day at the plate and was 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, while Drew Franklin and Chandler Crenshaw each went 1-for-3.

The Cubs, meanwhile, suffered their first loss since their season opener.

The Huskies improved to 2-4-1, while the Cubs dropped to 4-2.

Three players had multiple hits for the South Fork boys, who were led once again by senior standout Justin Freitas, who finished 2-for-3 with a triple and scored one of his team’s runs.

With their Little 4 openers moved forward from Friday to Thursday, however, Cubs head coach Chris Contreras had to use four different pitchers and keep them all under 30 pitches.

“I was pretty stoked with how they did,” the coach said.

Chris Pedaris also had a good game at the plate for South Fork and finished 2-for-4, while teammate Travis “T-Bone” Way went 2-for-3 and also scored a run.

“I was very excited and pleased with how our team hit the ball today,” Contreras added. “I knew Drew Franklin was going to be in the zone and he pitched a heck of a game. Very consistent.

“I was also very pleased with how we fielded the ball. We definitely minimized the errors.”

The Cubs begin conference play on Thursday with a doubleheader at St. Bernard’s.