LA MIRADA, Calif. – In an early season non-conference matchup with foe Biola University (3-3) kicked off Friday afternoon and 22nd ranked Vanguard (5-1) snatched a 6-2 victory. Sean Isaac (SR/Redondo Beach, CA) got it started by tossing seven quality innings and the offense gave him runs for cushion.
Assistant Coach Jordan Oseguera said, "Brock has a great day at the plate and carried the offense early. Sean found a way to compete and give us 7 strong and the bullpen finished it off for us."
At the plate, Justin Vega (JR/Chatsworth, CA) was 2-4 including an RBI and two runs scored. Eissman knocked 3-5 and an RBI and run as well. Catcher Kevin Bettencourt (SR/Modesto, CA) hit an efficient 2-4 in the batter's box.
"When the offense scores runs behind me it allows me to have the mindset of go out and make quality pitches, but the process doesn't change," Isaac said. "It's still attack mode when I'm out there."
After the first inning, the teams were locked in a 1-1 score. The Pride grabbed a three run advantage in the top of the third frame. Brandon Sandoval (JR/Fallbrook, CA) kicked off the inning with a triple and then Eissman smashed a double to plate a run. Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) batted the second run in and then Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA) scored the third on a sacrifice fly from Paul Keating (SR/Oceanside, CA).
Biola cut it to a 4-2 score entering the fourth inning. Vanguard put up runs in the top of the fifth and sixth innings to end with the four run margin. The Blue and Gold ended the contest with an 11-6 difference in hits.
Eissman said, "The bats came out hot, and we did our job today at the plate. Winning the first game sets the tone for the weekend series."
Vanguard heads right back to La Mirada tomorrow, February 6th, for a double-header to complete the non-conference series. The first pitch begins at Biola will be thrown at 11:00 a.m. with game two to follow.
-GOLD PRIDE-
