COSTA MESA, Calif. — In the last Golden State Athletic Conference series opener of the regular season, Vanguard University found themselves in rough waters against Hope International University, who defeated the Lions with a score of 6-3. Despite the loss, the Blue and Gold still found a way to stay afloat. Jordan Dreibelbis (SR/Las Vegas, NV) made his last regular season start on the mound and lasted seven innings. The senior said the Blue and Gold maintained a good energy throughout, and are excited about getting back to work in tomorrow's doubleheader. "Today, we fielded really well. There were a few balls in the outfield that were really tough, but we made the best plays we could," Dreibelbis said. "Infield wise, it was a perfect game. We had no errors in the infield which, as a pitcher, you have to love." As far as tomorrow, Dreibelbis said the team knows what to expect. "We want to attack the hitters. We can't beat ourselves. As long as we do that, we should be okay."
Four scoreless innings kept the action slow and runners stranded as bats connected with pitches but finishes did not happen. It was not until the fifth inning that the scoreboard finally changed, but in favor of HIU. Four hits produced five runs for the Royals, putting the pressure on Vanguard as the game started to wind down. HIU added one more run in the top of the sixth, but Vanguard was finally able to strike in the bottom of the frame on a wild pitch. Michael Fuchs (SR/Irvine, CA) hit a lead off double to right field, and moved into scoring position as Joe Johnson (FR/Medford, OR) grounded out to second base. As the pitch bounced off the glove of the HIU catcher, Fuchs darted home, breaking the Lions' silence. Vanguard made an attempt at a two-out rally in the seventh inning and pulled out one run on two hits. Josh Weeks (SO/Murrieta, CA) singled with two outs already on the board, and stole second. Tanner Perry (SR/El Cajon, CA) won the battle in the box and walked before Shane Elais-Calles was due up to bat. Elias-Calles knocked a single through the left side to score Weeks. Vanguard struck once more in the eighth inning on a RBI single from Lucas Martinez (SR/Fairfax, VA) that scored Chris Rodriguez (JR/Tustin, CA).
Dreibelbis threw three strikeouts, walked one batter, gave up 11 hits and four earned runs. Jakob Farmer (FR/Norwalk, CA) made an appearance in the eighth inning and gave up one hit, one run, and delivered three strikeouts. Jared Greer (FR/Anaheim, CA) closed out the contest on the mound and faced two batters. As a team, Vanguard totaled 11 hits on the day, just one hit shy of HIU. Weeks, and Perry went 2-for-4, while Elias-Calles and Fuchs went 2-for-5. Martinez, Sam Neufeld (JR/Indio, CA) and Chad Sutton (FR/Scottsdale, AZ) chipped in with one hit a piece.
Next Game: Saturday, April 21st against Hope International University at 11 a.m. (DH)
-GOLD PRIDE-
