COSTA MESA, Calif. — For the last time this season, Vanguard hosted Bethesda University of California for the final non-conference home game. Still hot off a win at TMU, the Blue and Gold put the pressure on the Flames as they worked toward preparation for the weekend Golden State Athletic Conference series. The competition that lies ahead for the Pride will be the last of the regular season and the completion of the first regular season at Dean Harvey Field. A steady day at the plate was all it took for Vanguard to stop Bethesda in their tracks and come out with a win on the day. The Blue and Gold increased their lead to seven runs in the sixth inning and added three more insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth to claim the day's crown and add a boost of momentum moving into the last regular season games.
Several Lions saw some action nearing the the final two bouts of action, including Tanner Bellamy (JR/Las Vegas, NV) who closed the game out on the mound. Bellamy said overall the day was fun. "We showed up at the plate and had some solid defense that pulled us through to the win," he remarked. Bellamy faced one batter in his ninth inning performance, which fit with the tone of the contest. Twenty-two of the thirty-five-man roster recorded playing time as they work toward the final regular season series this weekend. "We all got a shot today. It's one of those games where everybody gets a chance to get on base, get a base hit or get a walk," Bellamy said. "We're sitting a pretty good spot in GSAC and looking forward to this weekend and the GSAC tournament next week."
Tanner Perry (SR/El Cajon, CA) hit a lead off single to kick off the bottom of the first. Michael Fuchs (SR/Irvine, CA) made sure to bring the lone runner home with a line to left field for the first run of the day. Sam Neufeld (JR/Indio, CA) got the ball rolling in the second inning with a single up the middle, and Josh Weeks (SO/Murrieta, CA) brought him home with a single to left field. Perry and Elias-Calles loaded the bases via a respective walk and HBP in time for Fuchs to make something happen. Unfortunately, Elias-Calles was caught out at second to end the inning and leave three runners stranded. The score stood still until the bottom of the sixth as the Lions went to work once more. Five hits produced five runs to further the Lions lead and change the tone of the game. Bryce Wetherell (SR/Chattaroy, WA) made an appearance as a pinch runner and scored along with Josh Weeks on a Fuchs single to center. Perry, who was walked earlier, scored with Fuchs as Joe Johnson (FR/Medford, OR) singled to center. Chris Rodriguez (JR/Tustin, CA) ended the inning with a single to left field that scored Johnson to lead 7-0. Bethesda pulled two runs out of the seventh and eighth innings, but struggled to thrive under the Lions defense. Elias-Calles led off the bottom of the eighth with a single to third, and his quick feet took him to second. Fuchs followed up with a double down the right field line, and scored Elias-Calles. Lucas Martinez (SR/Fairfax, VA) and Dylan Ramie (SR/Ewa Beach, HI) were both walked, joining Fuchs to load up the bases. Luke Nobiensky (FR/Temecula, CA) made an inning appearance as a pinch runner for Fuchs. Another walk, this time on Julio Rivera (JR/Puerto Rico), scored Nobiensky. Wetherell scored Martinez with a sac-fly to center field for the tenth and final run of the day.
Vanguard outhit Bethesda 12-6 on the day. Fuchs sat at the forefront with a 3-for-5 performance at the plate and four RBI under his belt. Just behind was Weeks with a 2-for-2 day and Kody Wright (JR/Bakersfield, CA), who went 2-for-3. Neufeld, Perry, Elias-Calles, Johnson and Rodriguez each chipped in with one hit a piece. Michael Barker (FR/Ridgecrest, CA) pitched six innings, threw six strikeouts and walked five batters on 24 batters faced. Josh Bailly (SR/Union City, CA) made a single inning appearance, faced four batters and allowed one run. Trip Vick (FR/Burleson, TX) also faced four batters and delivered one strikeout during his eighth inning appearance. Taylor Wilson (FR/Keller, TX) made a brief appearance on the mound before Bellamy relieved him to face one batter and close out the game.
Next Game: Friday, April 20th against Hope International University at 3:00 p.m.
-GOLD PRIDE-
