COSTA MESA, Calif. - Vanguard University (16-6, 5-3) split the day with (RV) Hope International University (14-8, 7-5). The Lions had a strong start during the first game and secured an 8-1 win. The Royals managed to get past the Vanguard's defense and earned their only win of the series 13-4. Entering this weekend, HIU was on top of the GSAC standings.
Game 1: Vanguard University 8, Hope International 1
The Pride came out swinging and immediately earned five runs in the first inning. With runners on second and third base, Aki Buckson (JR/Silverdale, WA) singled through the left side to score one runner. Joe Johnson (JR/Medford, OR) then sacrifice flied out to score the second runner. With two outs and the bases loaded, Luke Arias (FR/Spring Valley, CA) capitalized on the Royals error and his hit led to three more runs for the Lions.
During the third inning, both HIU and Vanguard earned a run each. The Blue and Gold managed to seal the 8-1 victory with two more runs in the bottom of the seventh inning off a pair a singles.
Buckson tallied three hits during his five at-bats, as well as an RBI. Johnson earned nine outs at first base and a RBI. Wyatt Boyce (SR/El Segundo, CA) recorded his first pitching win of the year with four strikeouts and only allowed three hits.
Game 2: Hope International 13, Vanguard University 4
The Royals took control of the second game right from the first inning, tallying two runs off of single. The Pride responded with a run in the bottom of the second, but couldn't stop the HIU from recording three more runs in the third inning and a pair of runs in the fifth inning.
Entering the sixth inning, the Royals tallied three more runs. The Lions had a surge of offense in the sixth inning and managed to score three runs as well. With no outs and two runners on base, Grady Conner (SR/Costa Mesa, CA) doubled to left field and scored one runner. Kevin Miser (JR/Ridgefield, WA) stepped up to the plate and singled to third base and collected a RBI. With one out, Matthew Land (JR/Eugene, OR) singled to send home a runner and record three runs. HIU continued their offensive domination into the seventh inning and picked three more runs. The Lions attempted to make a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn't earn the win. HIU snagged their only win of the weekend 13-4.
Conner snagged two hits during his four at-bats, along with four runs and a RBI. Johnson collected five outs from first base.
Next Game: Tuesday, March 3rd against Bethesda University of California at 2:00 p.m.
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