LANCASTER, Calif. – The offense was flowing for both sides as the 20th ranked Lions (10-7) and the University of Antelope Valley (6-9) squared off in a non-conference tilt hosted at The Hangar. A big spurt by both teams left the game with a 9-8 score favoring the Pioneers. Vanguard was led in hitting by Brandon Sandoval (SR/Fallbrook, CA) and Brock Eissman (SR/San Clemente, CA) both going 3-5 on the day. Michael Fuchs (JR/Irvine, CA) backed that up with a 2-5 day of his own, adding in two scored runs, and Josh Weeks (FR/Murrieta, CA) finished 2-4 inside the batter's box.
With the run total being high one would think the game started off with a bang. But, entering the top of the fourth inning the scoreboard read 1-0 in favor of the Pride. In the second, Fuchs reached on a double to left field and then would later score on a wild throw by Luke Smith. Then in the fourth inning, Vanguard bombarded UAV to the tune of four scores. It only took one hit to generate the scoring thanks to a walk, a hit by pitch, and three errors.
Trailing 5-0, the Pioneers had their work cut out for them as they came up to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning. They would close the gap to a 5-2 lead for the Blue and Gold. After an inning of no scoring, the Lions came up to bat in the top of the 8th inning holding a 5-2 advantage. A triple off the bat of Jacob Leal (JR/Grapevine, TX) and a double from Sandoval were the key cogs to give the Lions another pair of runs. Then, in the course of one inning, UAV went from being down 7-2, to tied at seven runs each. Vanguard would break the tie in the top of the ninth inning, but then the Pioneers would end up winning the game thanks to a bases loaded hit by pitch.
On the mound, Roberto Johnson (SR/San Marcos, CA) tossed the first 5.1 innings of work allowing six hits and two earned runs. Josh Bailey then pitched through the end of the sixth inning and struck out two batters. Akoni Arriaga (SR/Wailuku, HI) grabbed the rock next, allowing three runs, before Jake Mellenthin (SR/New Plymouth, ID) came in for a full inning walking two, striking out two, and allowing a pair of runs. Eissman was throwing when the HBP ended the contest.
Next Game: Friday, January 24th at 2:00 p.m. against San Diego Christian
-GOLD PRIDE-
