Costa Mesa, Calif- In a double header to complete the conference season series, the Lions of Vanguard University and the Mustangs from The Master's College split the two matches today, bringing the series to a tie, 2-2. Today's scores were Vanguard winning 5-1 in the first game, and the Mustangs edging the Lions in the second game 5-3.
In the first half of the twin bill, the Blue and Gold proved dominant outhitting the Mustangs 10-6, scoring five runs compared to only one run for The Master's.
The Pride got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the first inning. Jacob Domingos scored an unearned run after reaching base on a throwing error. He was batted home on a single from Kyle Hardman.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Mustangs tied the game at one run apiece. Pinch runner James Sloan ran the bases for Chris Talley and scored on a single to center field by Ben Ives. Sloan had advanced into scoring position by stealing third base.
The Blue and Gold took the lead for good in the fifth inning, adding another run. It came on a Jeremiah Mejia single to center field, scoring Sean Wilson who was on second base after doubling to right-center field.
The Lions added to their lead in the top of the seventh inning, scoring another run across home plate. Brandon Pesante scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Jason Dovel. Pesante had previously reached on a fielder's choice, before stealing second base and advancing on a single by Wilson.
Vanguard padded its lead putting up two more runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. The inning began with a single by Domingos. The next batter, Hardman, was walked before both runners on base advanced to second and third, respectively, on a passed ball. They both scored two batters later on a single to center field by Matthew Avery.
Offensively, the Lions were highlighted by Sean Wilson going 3-3, including a walk. Avery had two hits and two RBI for the Pride, while Hardman chipped in another hit and RBI for Vanguard. Mejia also had two hits and an RBI on the day. As a team, Vanguard had seven strikeouts.
TMC's offensive production came mainly from Talley who had two hits, and Ives who also had two hits and an RBI. Tanner Leighton and Cody Harris had the team's only other two hits. As a ball club, the Mustangs struck out 10 times while being walked three times.
Both teams had two pitchers each take the mound. The winning pitcher Gabriel Garcia (4-1) went eight innings giving up six hits and the only run of the game. He struck out ten batters while only walking three. Joseph Vega III came in for the ninth inning, getting the final three outs of the game.
The losing pitcher for game one was JT Adams, who gave up five hits and two runs, while striking out five batters in his six innings of action. Tommy Kister pitched the final two innings for the Mustangs giving up five more hits and three runs.
In game two, it was themed by comeback rallies. After The Master's took an early lead, the Lions came back to lead 3-2 before the Mustangs battled back to win 5-3.
The Master's scored two first inning runs against the Lions. Jared Otto got things started with a double down the left field line. He scored on a single by Adams. Adams would later score on a single to the left side by Joe Riddle.
It took until the third inning for Vanguard to reach the scoreboard. It came on a home run to left field by Mejia.
The Lions tied the game in the fourth inning, as Hardman scored an unearned run. He reached base on a single to begin the inning, but with two outs down in the inning, Bryce Arroyo reached on a fielding error. Hardman stole second base to place himself in scoring position.
In the fifth inning, the Blue and Gold took the lead away from the Mustangs. The frame began with Wilson being hit by a pitch. The next batter, Domingos, singled advancing Wilson to third base. Hardman reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Wilson.
The Master's rallied back in the sixth inning, scoring two runs including the game-winning run. The inning began with Adams being walked and Riddle singling to center field. Ives doubled to left center field, scoring Adams from second base and the speedy pinch runner Sloan all the way from first base.
The Mustangs added another run in the top of the seventh inning, beginning with a walk to Otto. Talley singled to left field advancing on a fielding error by the first baseman, leaving runners on second and third base. Otto scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Riddle.
For the contest, The Lions had six hits compared to seven for the Mustangs. However, the difference in the game was three errors by Vanguard while The Master's only had one error.
The winning pitcher for the second game was AJ Work, who went the distance pitching all seven innings. He gave up three runs on six hits striking out three Lion batters.
Jason Dovel received the loss for Vanguard in his five innings on the hill. He lasted five innings giving up four runs on six hits. He also struck out three while walking two Mustang batters. Reliever Mike Leal gave up the final run in his two innings of action. Leal only gave up one hit, while walking two hitters and striking out one batter.
The split of the double header today brings the Lions' season record to 9-9, 5-3 in GSAC. The Master's College sits at 13-6 on the year, including 4-2 in conference play.
The Blue and Gold will next take the field on Wed. March 9th for weekday double-header. This 9x9 contest is schedule to begin at 10:00 a.m. on the Vanguard baseball field.
