COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Lions (16-7, 11-5) played it close the whole game, but just could not get enough offense going to defeat the conference leading Concordia University Eagles (19-3, 14-2), losing the first game of the series 3-1 this afternoon.
The first six innings of the game were dominated by strong pitching from starters Sean Isaac (SO/Redondo Beach, CA) and Spencer Moran, as neither team was able to score a run. Isaac limited the Eagles to five hits over six innings of work, striking out three and only allowing one run. Unfortunately for the Lions, Moran had an equally impressive day, allowing just one run during his six and a third innings pitched. The Lions were able to make contact on the ball for most of the game, only striking out once, but could not find hits with runners in good position to score.
The Eagles would break the deadlock and take the 1-0 lead in the seventh inning with a Robert Shiroky RBI single. In the bottom of the inning the Lions were able to tie things up at 1-1 when Justin Vega (SO/Chatsworth, CA) was able to draw the bases-loaded walk, sending Paul Keating (JR/Oceanside, CA) in for the run. That would be the only offensive production of the game though from the Lions, as they struggled against the Eagles relievers. Concordia was able to add a run in each of the final two innings, and finished the game with the 3-1 win.
Keating and Brandon Sandoval (SO/Fallbrook, CA) were able to collect two hits apiece, and the rest of the team will be hoping to heat up in tomorrow's games to close out the series.
The Lions still have a chance to take the series with tomorrow's double header against the Eagles. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:00am in Costa Mesa.
-GOLDPRIDE-
