Costa Mesa, Calif. - Coming off a double header sweep at Fresno Pacific on Wednesday, the Vanguard Lions entered today's game in second place in the GSAC by a mere two games. Vanguard roared to a 16-9 victory in game one but could not complete the sweep, losing 9-0 in the seven-inning nightcap.
The Lions ripped 17 hits in game one, including three each by seniors Zach Leighton and Kip Masuda. Masuda doubled and homered, driving in seven runs in VU's 16-9 win. Masuda started his offensive rampage with an RBI single to drive in VU's first run in the bottom of the first inning. Jacob Domingos followed Masuda's hit with a two-run single to cap VU's three-run first inning, erasing FPU's 1-0 lead.
Trailing 7-5 in the sixth inning, Masuda's three-run bomb to left field brought the Lions from behind and into an 8-7 lead. VU's four-run sixth inning would be enough to defeat the Sunbirds, but the Lions tacked on six more runs in the seventh. Masuda was once again in the middle of the action, drilling a three-run double for the Lions. Tyson Leighton, Domingos, and Bryce Arroyo added two hits apiece as the Lions' 17-hit attack came off five FPU pitchers.
FPU starter Sean Cunningham allowed five runs in 2.2 innings, but reliever Matt Mazzoni would take the loss while giving up two runs on two hits and two walks. The Lions also sent five pitchers to the hill in game one. Jason Dovel pitched the first four innings and was tagged with seven hits and seven runs but received a no decision for his effort. Bryce Reid made a short appearance before James McGeary (4-0) lifted the Lions to victory with three innings of one-hit ball. Peter Birdwell and Mike Anderson each contributed an inning of work to complete VU's 16-9 victory.
However, facing a sweep in the season series, the Sunbirds bounced back in game two. VU's starter Lance Abbott(2-3) lasted only 1.2 innings as the Sunbirds hammered Abbott for eight runs on seven hits and a walk, facing 13 batters and absorbing the loss. Reid took over for Abbott with a sharp 2.1 inning effort. Ryan Pauly, Braulio Archer, and Jordan Oseguera each contributed a shutout inning on the hill for the Lions. FPU's Kelyn Schellenberg earned the win for the Sunbirds, holding the Lions to four hits in six innings to improve to 8-3. Michael Jimenez pitched the final inning for FPU, preserving the 9-0 shutout for Schellenberg, and helping the Sunbirds improve to 24-12 overall and 16-12 in GSAC.
The Lions remain in second place in GSAC with a 20-8 conference mark and ends the day 30-10 overall. Vanguard will host No.5-ranked California Baptist next Wednesday and Thursday in the first two games of the four-game series.
Game 1 Boxscore Game 2 Boxscore
