COSTA MESA, Calif. – The #13 Lions (30-9-1) made it harder on themselves, but in the end they were able to rally back and complete the series sweep of Bethesda University of California (23-18). Vanguard picked up a 6-2 win in the first game before battling back and capturing an 11-8 comeback in the final contest.
Game One: Vanguard 6, Bethesda 2
The Flames made their presence felt immediately as they scored runs in both the first and second innings, holding the same 2-0 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning. VU cut the deficit in half off the bat of Sam Neufeld (FR/Indio, CA) which brought Trai Patrick (JR/Everett, WA) home from second base. In the next frame, Jose Rojas (SR/Anaheim, CA) was walked, which brought in the tying run of the game.
Late in the seventh inning, Brandon Sandoval (JR/Fallbrook, CA) score off an error from Bethesda's second baseman which proved to be the game winning run. With the lead already in place, the Pride blasted three insurance runs to seal the game as two came via a double to right field from Sandoval.
The Lions tallied 12 hits compared to seven for the Flames and took advantage of four errors from BUC. On the mound, Ryan Heinle (SR/Stockton, CA) threw six full innings allowing one earned run and striking out three batters. Christian Sheehan (JR/Redondo Beach, CA) came in for an out before Michael Ostrea (SR/Buena Park, CA) tossed the rest of the game allowing only two hits. At the plate, Sandoval was 4-5 to go along with two runs batted in and a scored run. Neufeld went 3-4 with a run and RBI, while Brock Eissman was 2-4 in his full return to the lineup.
Game Two: Vanguard 11, Bethesda 8
Bethesda was out for revenge in the second game as they captured a 3-0 margin after their first trip to the plate. The Lions scored in the bottom of the second inning on an RBI from Neufeld, bringing the score to 3-1. The Flames then snatched a 7-1 lead, taking advantage of a double to left center which scored two of the runs.
The Blue and Gold did not bury their heads as they cut the deficit to 7-4 at the end of the third inning. The first run was scored on a sacrifice fly from Matt Harris (SR/Seaside, CA) and the second two via a single up the middle from Patrick. Vanguard then blew open the game with six runs in the fourth inning as Harris kicked things off with a two RBI double down the left field line. Rojas then chimed in with a three run homer which put the Pride on top 9-7 and gave the Pride a lead they would not lose.
Akoni Arriaga (JR/Wailuku, HI) (1-1) was the third pitcher used by the Lions and was awarded the victory for throwing two innings and allowing only one run off three hits. Michael Jordan (SR/Murrieta, CA) came in for the save opportunity and exited with his NAIA leading 12th of the season.
Paul Keating (SR/Oceanside, CA) was 2-3 with a walk and two scored runs on the day. Harris and Rojas combined for seven RBI's and 3-7 hitting, making it count when it was needed most. The Blue and Gold pulled off the win even though they committed one more error and were out hit 12-11.
When prompted to the team's mentality as they were grinding back from the six run deficit Rojas said, "We shoot to win every game so this series is just another of the same mindset and we were able to do it."
Taking another day off from GSAC competition, the Lions will host Saint Katherine College (3-12) starting at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12th before moving into a home weekend series against William Jessup on Friday.
-GOLD PRIDE-
