Box Score

Michael Rivera hit a grand slam in the first, setting the tone for a Fresno Pacific lineup that was locked-in on Thursday as the #6 Sunbirds defeated Azusa Pacific 12-7 at APU.

The Sunbirds (21-11, 15-7 GSAC) pounded out 16 hits on the day and built up a 12-2 lead at one point. Wes Dorrell went 4-for-6 with three RBI, Rivera had the four RBI with his big hit in the first and Michael Vaughn homered for the second straight day.

Rivera connected on a 2-0 pitch in the first after Scott Laird, Dorrell and Tyler Pryor had reached base for his fifth home run of the season. The Sunbirds would score one more the next inning, then put five across in the top of the sixth to chase APU starter Morgan Wynne.

Trent Soares and Dorrell each had two-RBI hits in that inning as FPU took a commanding lead. Matt Mazzoni was on the hill for the Sunbirds, working his way in and out and trouble all day. He would earn the win, working around eight hits and five walks, to give up just two runs in six innings and improve to 6-1.

Steven Lozier had an effective 2 1/3 innings out of the bullpen to put the game away, as the Sunbirds were able to put in subs for nearly their entire lineup.

Eight of the nine FPU starters scored a run in the win. Andrew Douglas was the lone exception, but he would finish with two hits. APU's Matt Page went 3-for-5 to lead the Cougars (17-15, 10-11 GSAC).

The two teams will complete this series with a doubleheader in Fresno on Saturday, beginning at 11 am.

Around the GSAC
#9 California Baptist 15, San Diego Christian 2
#19 Biola (H) 11, Concordia 6
Vanguard at Point Loma Nazarene  – Postponed (Rescheduled for April 1)
Westmont at The Masters