COSTA MESA, Calif. – The twin bill of the weekend series against two heavy weights in the GSAC was split with The Master's College (9-6, 3-3) grabbing the first contest before the Lions (11-3, 4-2) rallied back to take game two. Wrapping up the series, 10th ranked TMC won two of the three contests against #22 Vanguard.
Game One: Master's 8, Vanguard 2
Early on, the Blue and Gold were on top 1-0 after scoring in the bottom of the second inning. TMC tied it up in the fourth inning but the real damage was done in the top of the sixth inning. The Mustangs scored five runs before the Pride snatched one back in the same inning. Within striking distance, two more scores by Master's in the top of the ninth sealed the result.
Ryan Heinle (SR/Stockton, CA) received the rock to start the day and went 5.2 innings of action giving up six hits. During his time on the mound he struck out three and had three runs score. Christian Sheehan (JR/Redondo Beach, CA) tossed three innings during which he struck out four batters and allowed two runs. In the game, two other pitchers were used but did not record an out.
Despite the lopsided score, the game was much closer than at first glance. The Lions had two more at bats during the game and one less error. VU had eight hits compared to 11 for the Mustangs, but all runs scored by the squads earned RBI's.
Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA) was 2-4 inside the box and scored two runs while on the base paths. The other six hits were spread across separate Lions but the RBI's went to Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) and Matt Harris (SR/Seaside, CA).
Game Two: Vanguard 5, Master's 2
Rojas said," As a team early in the season we haven't faced much adversity but this weekend was our first test and I think it says a lot about our character to finish the series and not give up after two games."
The nightcap held a much different vibe as the Pride immediately jumped out to a 3-0 lead and never looked back. TMC made this interesting by closing it to a 3-2 gap in the third inning. Single scores in both the fourth and sixth innings provided the necessary cushion.
Tyler Steele (FR/Kingsburg, CA) started on the hill and allowed two runs in 4.1 innings of work. He struck out three Mustangs and had two runs score during his time on the mound. Michael Ostrea (SR/Buena Park, CA) was the stretch man picking up five outs in as many batter's face. The Lions turned to Michael Jordan (SR/Murrieta, CA) to guide the team home and earn the save.
Brandon Sandoval (JR/Fallbrook, CA) led the way inside the batter's box with 2-3 including a walk, RBI, and run. Sam Nuefeld had a team high two RBI as he was one of five Lions to record the other hits. Harris scored two of the five tallies for the Pride.
Vanguard will take a brief hiatus from conference play as they will face Cal Poly Pomona (6-3) who has dropped two straight on Monday, February 22nd at 6:00 p.m.
-GOLD PRIDE-
