COSTA MESA, Calif. – Sean Isaac (JR/Redondo Beach, CA) struck out sixteen batters to lead the Lions (29-12, 23-10) to a 3-1 victory in the first game, and Scott Torrey (SR/Simi Valley, CA) allowed zero runs in the second game that also ended up 3-1. With the two victories the Lions swept the San Diego Christian Hawks (9-32, 8-25), and extended their winning streak to nine games.
Game One: Vanguard 3, San Diego Christian 1:
Although this game was supposed to be played down in San Diego, due to scheduling conflicts the games were moved to Vanguard, and the fans that were in attendance saw a gem of a game from starting pitcher Sean Isaac. The junior had a career day on the mound, striking out sixteen batters over his eight innings of work, only allowing one run and three hits. The one earned run was a home run in the seventh inning from Justin De La Nuez.
Behind the masterful game from Isaac, the Lions were able to get on the board fairly early, as they took the 1-0 lead in the second inning. Paul Keating (JR/Oceanside, CA) started things off with a single up the middle, and Bret Collins (SR/Manhattan Beach, CA) followed suit with a single of his own through the left side, advancing Keating to third. David Stone (SR/Huntington Beach, CA) would ground out on the next play, but earned the RBI when Keating crossed the plate to give the Lions the lead.
It would take some time for the Lions to get anything going after that, as opposing pitcher Gio Ochoa was able to hold off any further scoring in the next five innings. During that time it was De La Nuez that tied things up with his solo shot in the seventh, but the Lions responded quickly.
The Lions were able to reward Isaac's performance when they scored in back to back innings to take the lead. In the eighth inning Michael Flores (SR/Dinuba, CA) started things off with a walk, and his pinch runner Shane Elias-Calles (SO/Mission Viejo, CA) was able to score on an error after a Brock Eissman (SO/San Clemente, CA) hit, giving the Lions the 2-1 lead. They would add to the lead in the ninth inning when a Kevin Bettencourt (JR/Modesto, CA) single sent Collins home, extending the lead to 3-1. From there Sam Frakes (SR/Eagle Rock, CA) came in to close things out, earning his seventh save of the year, giving Isaac the much-deserved win and improving his record to 8-2 on the year.
Game Two: Vanguard 3, San Diego Christian 1:
It took the Lions no time to find their offensive rhythm in the second game, as they were able to build up a quick three-run lead in the first two innings. Brandon Sandoval (SO/Fallbrook, CA) started the game off with a lead-off single, and promptly stole his conference-leading 30th base of the season. Jose Rojas (JR/Anaheim, CA) sent Sandoval home with a single up the middle, giving the Lions the 1-0 lead. In the second inning the Lions were able to tack on two more runs to extend their lead to 3-0 after a Cole McMath (SR/Riverside, CA) single sent David Stone home, and Sandoval doubled into left center to send Elias-Calles across the plate.
With that early lead, it was Scott Torrey to step on the bump and pitch a strong game for the Lions. He only allowed two hits in his five innings of work, striking out three batters and not allowing a single run to cross the plate for the Hawks. He was backed by some solid defense as well, as he forced seven ground outs in those five innings of work.
The Hawks were able to pull a run back in the final inning to make it 3-1, but their comeback fell short, as Marshall McKinnon (SR/Los Gatos, CA) was able to shut down the comeback attempt and earn the save for the Lions. With the win Torrey improves to 6-0 on the season.
Vanguard has an important month ahead of them with a series against each of the top three teams in the conference coming up (Westmont, Concordia, and The Master's). With only four games separating the Lions from the top of the GSAC standings, this month will prove to be pivotal if they want to secure a conference title.
Before all of that, the Lions will return home for a mid-week clash against Cal State San Marcos on Tuesday, April 7. The first pitch is set for 2:30pm at VU.
-GOLDPRIDE-
