COSTA MESA, Calif. — A weekend sweep had Vanguard (16-9) in good spirits as they took on Bethesda (9-7) in a non-conference week day matchup. Despite the success in the weekend, Vanguard was not able to pull out the same result and lost to Bethesda, 8-4. Brandon Sandoval (SR/Fallbrook, CA) tried to keep the Lions competitive, going 3-4 for the day, but it wasn't enough to push back Bethesda.
The Lions saw trouble from the get go as Bethesda scored four runs in the top of first. Vanguard fired back in the bottom of the first as
Michael Fuchs (JR/Irvine, CA) hit a RBI single to the left side that drove in Sandoval. The next two innings were quiet as both teams posted zeros until Bethesda increased their lead in the top of the fourth with two runs. After four innings, Bethesda led 6-1.
Sandoval fought back in the bottom of the eighth by leading off with a home run, his third of the season, but Bethesda pushed their lead further in the top of the ninth with two extra runs. Vanguard entered the bottom of the ninth down by six. Vanguard tried to close the lead and earned two runs in the bottom of the ninth. Bethesda loaded the bases and Sandoval was hit by a pitch to bring in
Brock Eissman (SR/San Clemente, CA).
Josh Weeks (FR/Murrieta, CA) came up with bases still loaded and hit a RBI single to the shortstop to bring in the last run. The game ended with Vanguard losing, 8-4.
Roberto Johnson (SR/San Marcos, CA) (1-1) started on the mound for the Lions and went three innings before handing it off to
Kurt Gairing (JR/Corona, CA) who handled one inning.
Tyler Skinner (JR/Dos Palos, CA) and
Christian Sheehan (SR/Redondo Beach, CA) came in for two innings each, both earning two strike outs, before
Michael Kashou (FR/Anaheim, CA) took the mound in the top of the ninth.
Chris Moore (FR/Corona, CA) came in for the last batter and earned the final out on a single pitch.
Next Game: Friday, March 10th against Morningside College at 2:30 p.m.
-GOLD PRIDE-
