IRVINE, Calif. – It was a mixed performance on the afternoon for the Lions as they split their doubleheader today against the Concordia University Eagles, winning the first game by a score of 15-8, and dropping a close one in the nightcap, 3-2. With only four games left on the season the Lions record stands at 33-15 with a 26-13 GSAC mark, while the Eagles sit at 39-12 with a GSAC record of 28-11.
Game One: Vanguard 15, Concordia 8:
The Lions started out hot and never let up, as they collected fourteen hits in the first game, led by three RBI's a piece from Brock Eissman (SO/San Clemente, CA) and Jose Rojas (JR/Anaheim, CA). They were able to take advantage of some costly errors and jump on Eagles starter Dillon Moran early and often, scoring six runs in the first three innings to take the early 6-0 lead. It would not stop there, as the bats stayed hot in the fourth and fifth inning, scoring three runs and four runs, respectively, to take a commanding 13-0 lead.
With the run support that he needed early, Scott Torrey (SR/Simi Valley, CA) was able to relax on the mound, and pitched very well in the first four innings, not allowing the Eagles to score a run. Torrey would pitch well through the first six innings, but got himself into trouble in the seventh, allowing five runs. That would not matter though, as the Lions had already built up a 15-1 lead at that point, and they would go into the final two innings with the 15-6 advantage. Concordia would try to start a rally, and scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth, but the damage had already been done, and the Lions were able to walk away with the impressive victory.
Eissman had an impressive game at the plate, going three-for-four with his three RBI's and two runs scored. And although he did not collect a hit in the game, Justin Vega (SO/Chatsworth, CA) would score four times, using good plate discipline and aggressive base running to complete that task. Torrey improved to 7-1 on the season with the victory, and seems to bring the best out of the rest of the team when he is on the mound.
Game Two: Concordia 3, Vanguard 2:
In the nightcap of the doubleheader, the Lions never could find the same rhythm as they could only muster up five hits over the seven innings. Jordan Moak (SR/Sulphur, LA) would start the second game and gave the team a chance, lasting 4.2 innings and only allowing three runs off five hits, but it seemed that all of the runs were used up in the previous game.
The Eagles would take the lead in the first inning with a two-run home run to give them the early 2-0 lead, but the Lions would fight back in the third to tie things up at 2-2. With two outs in the inning Kevin Bettencourt (JR/Modesto, CA) would single through the left side, and Brandon Sandoval (SO/Fallbrook, CA) would get on with a walk, setting up Justin Davis (SR/Los Angeles, CA) to slap a double into left center, sending two runs across the plate.
The tie would be short-lived though, as Concordia responded with a quick run in the bottom of the inning to regain the lead, making it 3-2 in favor of the home team. It would be a tough task through the final innings, as the Eagles were playing with emotion on senior day, and the Lions could only find two more hits the rest of the game. They had a chance in the bottom of the seventh when Shane Elias-Calles (SO/Mission Viejo, CA) got into scoring position pinch running after a Bret Collins (SR/Manhattan Beach, CA) single, but Tyler Mark would shut the door, and secure save number 20 on the year, which is a new NAIA record.
With the loss, Vanguard no longer has a chance to secure the conference title, but they could play the role of spoilers as they host conference leaders, The Master's College, in their final GSAC series on April 24 and 25. Before that series, the Lions will return for a midweek clash against Bethesda University on April 21, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:00pm at VU Diamond.
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