COSTA MESA, Calif. – Vanguard (9-5, 6-3) trailed early and came up short from a seven-run deficit, falling 8-7 to Cal State San Marcos (3-4). Starter Michael Jordan (JR/Murrieta, CA) had a rough outing and lasted just one and a third inning, allowing five runs on five hits.
The Lions were outhit by the Cougars, 11-9. Second baseman Justin Vega (SO/Chatsworth, CA) led The Pride with two runs and an RBI on 3-for-4 hitting. Brett Collins filled the designated hitter spot by going 2-for-5 with a run and three RBI.
The first two Cal State San Marcos batters led the game by drawing two walks off Michael Jordan. Two singles later, the Lions were down 3-0 after the first inning.
Jordan would have another rough top half in the second by allowing two singles to open the inning. With one out, Cal State San Marcos' third baseman Ray Patchen hit a double down the leftfield line to score another run and end Jordan's day on the mound. Jordan was pulled from the game by Coach Pegg and was replaced by Roberto Johnson (SO/San Marcos, CA). Johnson allowed three more runs in the third and the Lions trailed 7-0 at the end of the second inning.
Paul Keating (JR/Oceanside, CA) led off the third with a triple. Kevin Bettencourt (JR/Modesto, CA) and Brandon Sandoval (SO/Fallbrook, CA) were hit by pitch to load up the bases. Justin Vega then singled to drive in Keating. Shortstop Jose Rojas (JR/Anaheim, CA) drew a walk to score another run and Brett Collins smacked a three-run double to bring the Lions within two, 7-5.
In the top fifth, first baseman David Stone (SR/Huntington Beach, CA) doubled to leftfield to knot up the game at seven runs apiece.
Roberto Johnson would take the loss after allowing the game-deciding run on a double by the Cougars in the bottom of the seventh.
With the loss, the Lions are 9-5 on the year. Their next game will be at home when they host San Diego Christian College for a three-game series this weekend. The first game will be on Friday, February 13, at 2:00 p.m.
-GOLDPRIDE-
