FULLERTON, Calif. — Vanguard University jumped back into Golden State Athletic Conference action against No. 8-ranked Hope International University after rain forced a reschedule of the doubleheader in the three-game series against the Royals. After capturing the victory in the first game of the series, the Blue and Gold was eager to get back onto the field and close out the series. Despite the downpour, Shane Elias-Calles (SR/Mission Viejo, CA) said the inclement weather only proved the team is driven by the desire to compete. "The first night the weather was terrible, but we never lost our desire to compete. Even when it was pouring rain, all the guys were upset the game got pushed back," he said. "Overall this weekend showed us that it doesn't matter the circumstances; we are going to show up and compete."

Game 1: Vanguard 4, Hope International 0

Jordan Dreibelbis (SR/Las Vegas, NV) had himself a day on the mound, pitching all nine innings. He gave up only three hits, walked one batter and struck out five on 31 batters faced. At the plate, the Pride logged 12 hits, outhitting the Royals by nine. Chris Rodriguez (JR/Tustin, CA) went 2-for-4 at the plate and scored twice for the Pride, Joe Johnson (FR/Medford, OR) gave a 2-for-3 performance at bat and scored once, and Tanner Perry (SR/El Cajon, CA) went 2-for-5 in the box and also scored once.

Perry led off with a single in the first inning, and advanced on a ground out by Chad Sutton (FR/Scottsdale, AZ). Perry scored as Michael Fuchs (SR/Irvine, CA) singled to right center. In the second inning, Rodriguez scored unearned on a wild pitch, building up the Lion momentum. Action picked up again in the fifth inning as Elias-Calles singled, allowing Johnson to score. The final run came in the sixth inning as Julio Rivera (JR/Puerto Rico) singled down left field, sending Rodriguez home.

Game 2: Hope International 7, Vanguard 6

It took one extra inning for the final game of the series to be decided. A walk-off single from HIU claimed the nightcap in the Royals' favor. HIU scored four runs in the second inning, giving them a bit of confidence, but Vanguard bounced back with six runs in the top of the fourth. Perry singled and Elias-Calles was walked. Martinez was also walked, loading the bases, and Fuchs doubled to pick up two RBI. Bryce Wetherell (SR/Chattaroy, WA) scored on a fielder's choice and Rodriguez hit a sac-bunt to bring Fuchs in. Scoring came to a end with a big two-run homer hit by Johnson, giving the Lions the lead. HIU stayed alive with two runs in the seventh, and sealed the deal in the bottom of the eighth.

The Blue and Gold used four pitchers in the game, and Alex Camacho (JR/Stockton, CA) closed things out on the mound in the final inning, giving up two hits and three runs. Camacho walked two and struck out two batters on 11 batters faced. In the box, Johnson, Fuchs and Lucas Martinez (SR/Fairfax, VA) went 1-for-3, and Perry finished 1-for-4 at the plate.

Next Game: Tuesday, March 6 at Biola University at 2:00 p.m.

-GOLD PRIDE-