COSTA MESA, Calif. — Nine innings was not enough for the first of three games between Vanguard University and University of Antelope Valley to be decided. The contest stretched to 11 innings and the Lions came out on top, defeating the Pioneers 3-2. Vanguard improves to 2-1 overall and Antelope Valley drops to 0-1 overall.
A glimmer of hope for the Lions came in the form of a tying run late in the bottom of the ninth inning in front of a packed crowd at Dean Harvey Field. Chad Sutton (FR/Scottsdale, AZ) singled through a gap in center field to bring Julio Rivera (JR/Puerto Rico) home to send the game into extra innings. Tensions were high in the bottom of the 11th inning as the Pioneers scored one run in the top of the inning. With two outs on the board, Tanner Perry (SR/El Cajon, CA) hit a strong single down the middle and sent Joe Johnson (FR/Medford, OR) and Bryce Wetherell (SR/Chattaroy, WA) running home for the walk-off victory.
"I saw the ball behind me, and I don't think I've ever ran as fast in my life," Wetherell said. The senior outfielder said the win only emphasized what was worked on in practice over the last week. "We really focused on diving into each other and never giving up. It really showed in this game." Wetherell said. "It was a big team effort. No matter what situation we're in, we could win. We have the talent, the pitching staff and we'll build on the energy we had today and take that into the rest of the season."
Vanguard used two pitchers on the day. Jordan Dreibelbis (SR/Las Vegas, NV) pitched nine innings, allowing four hits, giving up one run and committing one error. Ryan Daugherty (JR/Laguna Niguel, CA) took the mound to close out the contest and earn the 1-0 win with two strong innings, allowing one hit, one run and committing one error. Michael Fuchs (SR/Irvine, CA) finished 2-4 on the day and Perry went 1-5 and recorded two RBIs. The Pride and Pioneers continue the non-conference series Jan. 27.
Next Game: Saturday, January 27th against the University of Antelope Valley at 11:00 a.m. (DH)
-GOLD PRIDE-
