COSTA MESA, Calif. - As the sun sets on this day, Vanguard made big strides in the race for the GSAC title. The Lions (23-8-1, 12-6) were able to pick up two big wins this week against conference leading Westmont (24-6, 14-4), but were unable to close out the double header as they fell in a 9-5 extra innings thriller.
Vanguard 5, Westmont 3
In the first game, the Lions came out with the same mindset that they ended yesterday's game beating the Warriors to the tune of 5-3. The Lions had a big day from pitcher Sean Isaac (SR/Redondo Beach, CA) as he picked up seven strikeouts in his six inning stretch. The offense came out swinging as they scored all five of their runs within the first four innings of the game.
Starting in the bottom of the first inning, the Blue and Gold's offense started off the scoring affair when Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) hit a single shot that earned him a RBI on the play. This was followed up in the third inning, when Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA) also picked up a RBI on a sac fly ball that brought Justin Vega (JR/Chatsworth, CA) in for the score to give the Lions a 2-0 lead. The crowd was excited for the strategic game plan that dug the Warriors into a hole and forced them overcome this obstacle for the remainder of the game. The Lions were able to stretch the margin in the fourth inning which ended up being the winning runs.
Westmont 9, Vanguard 5 (8 innings)
In the second game, this was everything that a fan would look for in a game. After dropping two games and threatened with a sweep, the Warriors came out swinging and put the Lions in a hole as the score was 4-0 early in the game. The tension was evident in the dugouts and the stands as the Lion faithful eagerly looked on hoping that the impossible would happen. As the game came to the fifth inning, the Pride knew that it time to show how much heart they had left in this game as they battled through the top half of the inning, only giving up one run in the process. The stage was set for a comeback with them down 5-0. The Lions left it all out there on the field with an outstanding three run inning that was started off with a double down right field line by Rojas, who then scored thanks to a sac fly from Paul Keating (SR/Oceanside, CA). Vanguard fed off of this score and continued to keep up the pressure against the Warriors with Patrick and Sam Neufeld (FR/Indio, CA) following suit with runs of their own. As the stage was set up for the final inning, the Lions came into the final stretch only down one run. The crowd was at a fever pitch and nearly came unglued when Brock Eissman (JR/San Clemente, CA) hit a triple on a play that brought Bryce Wetherell (SO/Chattaroy, WA) in to tie the game up and send it to extra innings. However, the Blue and Gold did not get favorable bounces of the ball in extra innings and ultimately fell in the contest.
Next up for the Lions is a home game on March 29th against San Diego Christian College (16-12, 9-9) at 2:30 p.m. which will be a non-conference contest. After the valiant effort this week, the Lions now have the next month to make up the one game difference with Westmont in the conference to win GSAC. Be sure to come out on Tuesday and support them as they continue their chase for the GSAC crown.
-GOLD PRIDE-
