COSTA MESA, Calif. — Despite rain delays and a soaked field, the 20th ranked Vanguard Lions (6-4, 1-0) faced William Jessup (2-3, 0-1) in the GSAC opener. Vanguard took the lead early and held the Warriors off throughout all nine innings. The game ended in Vanguard's favor, 4-2. 

Both teams posted zeros in the first inning, but Vanguard started off the scoring with a two RBI single to center field by Bryce Wetherell (JR/Chattaroy, WA). William Jessup tried answer with a run in the top of the third, but Brock Eissman (SR/San Clemente, CA) came up in the bottom of the third and singled to right field driving in Trai Patrick (SR/Everett, WA). At the end of three innings, the Lions were up 3-1. The Warriors added on a run in the fifth with sacrifice fly to right, but that would be the last run for the visitors. Vanguard snatched up an extra run as Tanner Perry (JR/El Cajon, CA) ran in on a wild pitch. 

In the batter's box, Trai Patrick went 3-4 while Tanner Perry, Michael Fuchs (JR/Irvine, CA), and Eissman went 2-4. While the bats were a little slow, the fielding for the Lions was in full force. Brock Eissman made multiple out in right field that left the Warriors stranded on base. Josh Weeks (FR/Murrieta, CA) was instrumental at second base, assisting in multiple outs, forcing a double play, and snatching a line drive towards second base. 

Monty McCasland started on the mound for the Lions and went for five innings before handing of the ball to Roberto Johnson (SR/San Marcos, CA). Johnson went for two innings. Christian Sheehan (SR/Redondo Beach, CA) and Tyler Skinner (JR/Dos Palos, CA) came in for a few batters before handing the ball over to Jake Mellenthin (SR/New Plymouth, ID). Mellenthin came in halfway through the eighth and closed the game picking up a strike out. 

Next Game: Sunday, February 12th against William Jessup at 10:00 a.m. (Double Header)

-GOLD PRIDE-