MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As the bracket continues to follow form, the top-seeded Lions (38-15) matched up with second seeded Faulkner University (37-9) in the winner's bracket. The host Eagles won by a 7-3 count, using a pair of big run innings to take command. Five years ago, these same teams met in the same game with Faulkner also winning that outing.
What Happened? Both teams began the game with three straight outs. In the top of the second, the Blue and Gold had runners on second and third with two outs and were unable to plate a run. In the back half of the third frame, Faulkner scored four runs including a pair on a home run. Aki Buckson (JR/Silverdale, WA) answered back with a solo shot that closed it to a 4-1 gap. As two runners were in scoring position, the Eagles hit a moonshot to take a dominant 7-1 lead. Trying to chip away at the margin, the Lions got two back in the top of the eighth as Buckson hit his second bomb of the day and his 15th of the season.
Why It's Important? Vanguard entered the contest with a 1-3 all-time record against Faulkner. The two schools first met in the 2015 NAIA World Series and then followed up with a trio of games in the 2016 Opening Round. The Blue and Gold is now in the losers bracket of the tournament and will have to win three straight games to advance to the World Series in Lewiston, Idaho.
Top Performers: Buckson went 2-3 in the box with all RBI credited to his name. Joe Johnson (JR/Medford, OR) was 2-4 and the only other hits came from Landon Riker (SR/Marysville, WA) and Isaiah Lee (JR/Santa Ana, CA). The team combined to strikeout 12 times and only drew three walks; they left five runners on the bases compared to only two for the Eagles. Tyler Armenta (JR/Anaheim, CA) was the most effective pitcher for the Pride tossing 3.1 innings and allowing no hits and striking out four. Brian Park (SO/Los Angeles, CA) (8-1) who started the contest for Vanguard was on the losing end of a pitching decision for the first time this season.
What They Said: Head Coach Rob Pegg – "The game of baseball always comes down to a pitch here, an at bat there, and the small moments that add up. I thought we played well in portions of the game. We both won two innings of the game, but their innings were just a bit bigger. I like our chances of getting another chance at them tomorrow."
What's Next: Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. against Freed-Hardeman University - who is the designated home team
#ClawsUp
