COSTA MESA, Calif. — After a rough couple of games and a disappointing road trip, the Vanguard Lions got themselves into gear for the opening game of a weekend series against Arizona Christian. Vanguard didn't out hit Arizona Christian, only earning 11 hits as opposed to Arizona Christian's 10, but the Lions made the most out of their opportunities while the Firestorm left players on base. After nine innings, the Lions won, 8-1. Brandon Sandoval (SR/Fallbrook, CA) led the offense, batting 4-5 and earning 6 RBI's including a grand slam!
The Lions started off strong with Sandoval hitting a single to centerfield to get a runner on base. Shane Elias-Calles (JR/Mission Viejo, CA) hit a double to left field and then Brock Eissman (SR/San Clemente, CA) posted the first run with a sacrifice fly to left field that brought in Sandoval. Arizona Christian posted a run in the top of the second, but that would be the only run the Firestorm would score.
In the bottom of the second, Tanner Perry (JR/El Cajon, CA) singled through the left side, Jacob Leal (JR/Grapevine, TX) was hit by a pitch, and Josh weeks hit a single down the right field line. Sandoval came up to bat and hit a grand slam, his sixth homerun of the season. Sandoval's grand slam brought the score to 5-1, Vanguard. The Lions weren't done yet. In the bottom of the third, Jacob Leal hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield that brought in Michael Fuchs (JR/Irvine, CA). The Lions took a little break, posting zeros in the fourth and fifth, but came back to add two more before the last out.
Brandon Sandoval tacked on two more RBI as he hit a single through the right side that brought in Bryce Wetherell (JR/Chattaroy, WA) in the bottom of the sixth and then another single to left field in the bottom of the eight to bring in Sage Voda (FR/Tehachapi, CA). The end of the game showed a final score that Lions fans were happy to see: 8-1, Vanguard.
While Sandoval led the offense, Monty McCasland (SR/Bushland, TX) (5-2) held it down on the mound. McCasland went 7 innings, allowed 8 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, and earned 1 strikeout before handing it over to Michael Kashou (FR/Anaheim, CA). Kashou went one inning before Tyler Skinner (JR/Dos Palos, CA) took over the last inning, earning 1 strikeout along the way.
Next Game: Saturday, March 31st against Arizona Christian University at 11:00 a.m.
-GOLD PRIDE-
