ROCKLIN, Calif. - The best way to describe this game is dominant as the Vanguard Lions swept the William Jessup Warriors in crushing fashion today. VU (10-1, 3-0) was completely in the zone today on offense as they piled on the runs in their first game beating the William Jessup (0-9, 0-3) to the score of 15-4. Ryan Heinle (SR/Stockton, CA) started the day pitching for the Lions and put on a great performance. Brandon Sandoval (JR/Fallbrook, CA) helped to lead the charge on offense with 2 RBI's in the game. Paul Keating (SR/Oceanside, CA) and Shane Elias-Calles (SO/Mission Viejo, CA) also contributed on the day with 2 RBI performances as well.
Game One: Vanguard 15, William Jessup 4
The offensive fireworks started off in the first inning, when the Lions scored six runs including a scoring play that started with Sandoval walking to get on base and being followed up by Justin Vega (JR/Chatsworth, CA) with a single that soared into the center field. Brock Eissman (JR/San Clemente, CA) then finished up the play by scoring an RBI off of a hit into the middle of the field to bring Sandoval on home. The Lions made sure the crowd had nothing to cheer about as they continued to take advantage of the multiple errors that the Warriors committed today. In the fourth inning, Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) was able to advance to third base thanks to a wild pitch. The Lions just kept building up their momentum and the Warriors were unable to keep pace with them.
"It was an awesome weekend for the team. It was big for the offense to put up runs throughout to support our pitchers and was a fun to be on the road with the team again," said Rojas.
Game Two: Vanguard 11, William Jessup 1
The Blue and Gold just kept pace with their previous performance and coasted by the Warriors with an 11-1 victory. Tyler Steele (FR/Kingsburg, CA) started off the second game before Akoni Arriaga (JR/Wailuku, HI) and Michael Ostrea (SR/Buena Park, CA) rounded out the players on the mound. Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA) put on a stellar performance with three RBI's off of four at bats. This was great team win as the Lions as they continued to consistently silence the home crowd and out play the Warriors today.
One of the more impressive performances for the Pride came in the fourth inning, when they compiled a seven run inning that was started by Kevin Bettencourt (SR/Modesto, CA) scoring in on a run that was assisted by Sandoval, who picked up the RBI on a single hit to left field. Then, Rojas connected on a double into right field that brought both Vega and Sandoval home. The Lions showed great execution of their game plan by taking advantage of the Warriors' five errors in the game.
Paul Keating declared, "This was a great series win. Our offense has been contagious and firing on all cylinders and our pitching has been dominant. We're hoping to keep this momentum and take it to Masters next weekend."
Next up for the Lions is a big GSAC conference matchup as they will be at home against #10 Master's College (7-4,1-2) on February 19th at 11:00 a.m. Let's come out a support them as they compete to against the defending GSAC champs in their conference home opener.
-GOLD PRIDE-
