COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Lions, newly moving up to 11th in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll, secured a 6-4 victory over Saint Katherine College to mark the eighth straight victory for the Blue and Gold. Highlights from the game for Vanguard (31-9-1) include a homer from Brock Eissman (JR/San Clemente, CA), 3-4 at the plate by Matt Harris (SR/Seaside, CA), and the 13th save for Michael Jordan (SR/Murrieta, CA).
VU struck first when Eissman knocked his solo shot over the right field fence with two outs gone in the second inning. Kicking off the fourth inning, Harris singled to center field and later scored on Paul Keating (SR/Oceanside, CA)'s hit that was marked a fielder's choice. The Pride tacked on two more runs as Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA) and Harris both crossed home plate opening a 4-0 advantage.
In the eighth inning, the fielders were busy taking care of a double-play which allowed Bryce Wetherell (SO/Chattaroy, WA) to head home unencumbered. Then after Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) was hit by the pitch, he scored on a double from Keating.
Vanguard appeared to be cruising to a shutout victory when the Firebirds mounted a spirited rally. Entering the top of the ninth inning, the contest appeared to be locked up before SKC trimmed the deficit to 6-4 before the final out was punched by Jordan. His 13th saves are tops in the NAIA rankings.
Matt Silberman (SR/Murrieta, CA) (1-2) received the opening nod and exited with his first win of the year. In all, eight Lions threw pitches in the contest. At the plate, Harris continued his strong hitting of late and added two runs. Patrick was 2-4 on the day and Keating drove in two runs. Vanguard outhit the opposition 10-3.
Harris said, "I am ready to do whatever Coach Pegg wants" when asked about his move up to the third batting slot. "It normally takes me a little while to get going but it's coming at the right time."
This weekend is an important series for the Pride as they need to have strong showings in all three contests to keep the chances alive of capturing the GSAC regular season crown. The three game slate begins on Friday, April 15th at 3:00 p.m. against William Jessup (3-27, 3-18).
-GOLD PRIDE-
