PLACENTIA, Calif. – Vanguard, the 22nd ranked team in the NAIA, increased its overall record by finishing a sweep of Hope International with scores of 7-5 and 8-5. The Lions (16-5-1, 9-3) are right in the hunt for GSAC supremacy while the Royals (9-13-1, 4-8) as still continuing to find their way in their first season of competition.
Game One: Vanguard 7, Hope International 5
Starting off the day, the Lions grabbed the first score in the top of the second inning. The Pride added three more runs in the next at bat to take a commanding lead. Then, the Royal jumped right back into the thick of it by bringing it to a 4-3 score. HIU scored single runs in both the top of the fourth and fifth innings to hold a 5-4 advantage. This didn't faze the Blue and Gold as they tallied three runs in the nine inning including a game altering two run bomb by Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA).
On the hill, Ryan Heinle (SR/Stockton, CA) tossed the first 4.1 innings and left with no decision on two earned runs. Christian Sheehan (JR/Redondo Beach, CA) came out in relief and struck out three in 3.1 innings of work. Michael Ostrea (SR/Buena Park, CA) gets the win on the day.
Brock Eissman (JR/San Clemente, CA) hit 3-5 including a scored run. Rojas was 1-4 but added two RBI and two scored runs. Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) had a monster performance with 4-5 hitting including an RBI and two plated runs. Matt Harris (SR/Seaside, CA) and Kody Wright (SO/Bakersfield, CA) both had two hits and a RBI for the contest.
Game Two: Vanguard 8, Hope International 5
The nightcap had a different feel to it as the Royal struck first. The Pride came roaring back with four runs in the third inning. After HIU locked it at four runs each after four innings, the Lions offense went ot work and added some breathing room. Patrick singled through the middle to score the game winning runs. But, the bats were not done producing as they tacked on two more tallies in the sixth and seventh innings.
Chris Lumanlan (JR/Irvine, CA) gets his first win of the year for tossing the middle three innings of the contest and striking out four. Tyler Steele (FR/Kingsburg, CA) earned the start but left with no decision and Michael Jordan (SR/Murrieta, CA) threw the final three outs for the Lions.
Patrick continued his impressive day with 2-4 hitting in the final game including three RBI's/ Harris and Kevin Bettencourt (SR/Modesto, CA) had multiple hits as well.
The Lions finish the series sweep over Hope International and sit in second place in the conference standings behind an excellent 12-2 road record. Their next outing will be Wednesday, March 9th at 2:30 p.m. as Morningside (IA) swing by Costa Mesa.
-GOLD PRIDE-
