POMONA, Calif. – The 22nd ranked Lions (11-4) took a brief aside from conference play to challenge NCAA Division II foe Cal Poly Pomona (7-3) in a night tilt. Vanguard fell by a 6-3 count. For the day, Matt Harris (SR/Seaside, CA) and Paul Keating (SR/Oceanside, CA) were both 2-4 inside the box. Harris scored a run on the base paths and Keating netted one of the teams two RBI's. They were the only Lions to record a multi-hit day as the other five hits were spread across the lineup.
Keating summed it up simply by saying, "Tough loss today." He went on to state, "Pomona played well and had a couple clutch hits which proved to be the difference in the game. We gave ourselves plenty of opportunities but just couldn't capitalize on them. The game felt closer than what the score said."
On the mound, Roberto Johnson (JR/San Marcos, CA) was given the opening nod and pitched four full innings striking out six batters. Three earned runs were scored off of four hits during his time in command. After going to the bullpen, Vanguard used four different arms ranging from two outs punched up to 1.1 innings of work.
As the game move along, the Blue and Gold were right there. Cal Poly Pomona scored in their first at bat but Vanguard struck right back in the top of the second. Entering the lower part of the fourth frame the 1-1 game held.
The Broncos broke the contest up and took a 3-1 advantage. Vanguard was not done as they trimmed it to a one run lead in their next at bat. However, across the next two innings CPP would add three addition runs. The Lions got one back in the top of the seventh inning, but could get no closer. Both teams had nine hits in the affair.
Next, the Pride will get back into GSAC play as they head down to San Diego Christian for a three-game weekend series. Currently, the Hawks are 4-2 in conference play which ranks them on par with VU. They hold an 8-5 record overall. It all kicks off on Friday, February 26th at 2:00 p.m. at Grossmont College.
-GOLD PRIDE-
