COSTA MESA, Calif. - Vanguard Baseball was bested by Biola University Tuesday to snap their eight game winning streak. The 5-11 loss to the Eagles make Vanguard 8-1 with four preseason games to play before the start of GSAC competition. 

After allowing two runs in the first, Vanguard retaliated with four of their own. Sam Neufeld (SR/Indio, CA) and Caleb Squire (SR/Arvada, CO) opened up the inning with consecutive walks. Landon Riker (JR/Marysville, WA) reached on a fielder's choice that advanced Neufeld to third and put Squire out at second. Maxx Mahon (SR/Lexington, KY) drew the third walk of the inning to load the bases for Joe Johnson (SO/Medford, OR), who doubled down the left line for two RBI. Omar Ortiz (JR/Las Vegas, NV) stepped up to the plate next and knocked a single for one more Lion run. Josh Weeks (JR/Murrieta, CA) brought in the fourth run with a sacrifice fly to right field. VU and the Eagles were scoreless the next two innings, but Biola used three hits and an error in the fourth to take the 8-4 lead. In the fifth, the Lions reduced the difference to three on a Riker home run. Vanguard had a bases loaded opporunity in the seventh, but the missed opporunity left Biola out in front. In their final at bat, Biola added three more to secure the 11-5 win. 

Johnson led the Lions with two hits, two RBI, one run and a walk. Riker scored two runs with one hit, one homer and a RBI. Despite the loss, the Lions remain ranked No. 2 in the country in hits per game and fourth in slugging percentage, RBI, hits and runs scored. Johnson is third in the NAIA in total bases and RBI with 16. 

Next Game: The Lions begin a three game series against the University of Saint Katherine Friday at 2 p.m. in Costa Mesa, CA. 

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