SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The heavy rain could not stop the Lions as they dominate the University of Northwestern Ohio from start to finish and earn a berth in the NAIA World Series, starting next week in Idaho. Vanguard cruises to the 8-0 victory.

Riding high on a great tournament run, the Blue and Gold pushed one step closer to fulfilling their dream: the NAIA World Series.

The Lions started the game off strong with a two run shot to left field in the top of the first inning by Jose Rojas (JR/Anaheim, CA). This gave VU a lead they would never relinquish.

After the first two innings, the foul weather started pouring in. During the fourth inning, the Pride used a pause in the rain to tack on four more runs to take a commanding lead in the contest.

Not wanting to be out done, Taylor McKnight (SR/Mission Viejo, CA) homered in the top of the 9th inning to bring Vanguard to a 8-0 victory.

Ryan Heinle (JR/Stockton, CA) threw a beautiful game allowing only six hits on the day during his 7.2 innings on the hill. Sam Frakes (SR/Eagle Rock, CA) came in for the Lions to finish the game and he struck out two including the last out of the game.

The offense was flowing today for the Blue and Gold. Brandon Sandoval (SO/Fallbrook, CA) was 1-4 with two RBI. Brock Eissman (SO/San Clemente, CA) was 3-5 including a scored run. Rojas netted a 2-5 stat line but brought in three runs and scored one himself. David stone was 3-4 including a scored run and McKnight was 2-4 including two RBI and two scores.

Vanguard will go on to the World Series starting next Friday at Lewis-Clark State in Lewiston, Idaho. The matchups are still to be determined.

-GOLD PRIDE-