COSTA MESA, Calif. - After today's game, the Lions have made it one step closer in the GSAC race as #11 Vanguard avoided a scare from William Jessup (3-29, 3-19) to the tune of 3-2. The Lions (32-9, 17-5) had a great day on the mound from Sean Isaac (SR/Redondo Beach, CA), who collected seven strikeouts on eight innings on the day. This was another great team effort that set up Michael Jordan (SR/Murrieta, CA) for his 15th save of the season.
Early on in the game, the Lions outfield played exceptionally well as they kept the Warriors off the score board for the majority of the game. This played a key role for the Blue and Gold while they were searching for that one play to get the offense going into the game. This game plan paid off when in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Blue and Gold were able to capitalize with a double by Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) that would eventually lead to the first run of the game. Patrick scored thanks to Brock Eissman (JR/San Clemente, CA), who picked up a RBI on the play.
The joy that the audience had after that inning did not last for long as the Warriors quickly responded with a two run inning that put the Blue and Gold behind going into the bottom of the sixth inning; however, they never lost their composure in the moment and showed the confidence that their fans have seen all season by picking where they left off in the fifth inning.
The action began its climb to a fever pitch as Kevin Bettencourt (SR/Modesto, CA) walked to start off the Lions' possession. This was followed up when Bryce Wetherell (SO/Chattaroy, WA), who was pinch running for Bettencourt, quickly advanced to second base, thanks to Warriors error. He then stole third base and ignited the crowd as the Blue and Gold faithful were set up for the tying run. Finally, Brandon Sandoval (JR/Fallbrook, CA) hit a sacrifice fly that gave him a RBI and brought Wetherell in to the tie the game up at two apiece.
The crowd went into a frenzy as they could tell that the scoring was not over yet as Justin Vega (JR/Chatsworth, CA) connected with a beauty of a double into center field that took the excitement of the crowd to another level. With Shane Elias-Calles (SO/Mission Viejo, CA) pinch running for Vega, everyone in the arena was on the edge of their seats waiting for Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA) to deliver on this wish.
The Pride went into the seventh after hitting a two run inning to regain the lead at 3-2. For the remainder of the game, pitchers Isaac and Jordan sealed this win on the mound with some stellar pitching and clutch strikeouts.
"I just went in knowing that my team was going to play solid defense behind me, I just need to make my pitches to get the job done," Jordan said. "It feels great to have the ball in tight situations. A lot of credit has to go to our pitching coach, Jordan Osegura, for providing me with the necessary tools and information needed to be successful in these tight situations."
Up next for the Lions is a double header against the Warriors at home tomorrow, April 16th. Come out and support them as they look to complete a series sweep and get one step closer in the GSAC race. The first game starts at 11 am.
-GOLD PRIDE-
