Box Score

Fresno Pacific scored 10 runs in the sixth inning to erase an 8-2 deficit and defeat Vanguard 12-11 on Friday.

The visiting Lions (9-11, 1-9 GSAC) appeared to be in cruise control, leading 8-2 in the bottom of the sixth, but the Sunbirds (15-12, 6-8 GSAC) had other ideas. With one on and one out, the Sunbirds began to get to VU starter Gabriel Garcia, who had struck out six up until that point.

Kevin Magill drilled a single to right, before Matt Fox looked to bunt for a hit with the third baseman playing back. The strategy worked as Fox's bunt was perfectly placed between Garcia and the Lion third baseman, scoring Steven Lozier for the first run of the inning. With Garcia now tiring, the Lions went to lefty reliever Ruben Orosco, and the Sunbirds would begin the onslaught.

Karlan Andrews hammered a single to right to load the bases and Alan Sandoval followed by crushing a double over the left-fielder's head to score two, making the score 8-5. Alec Mehrten promptly delivered a single, scoring two more and the Sunbirds were suddenly down by just one run.

Orosco got Robbie De La Cruz to strike out for the second out, bringing Michael Rivera to the plate for a clutch at-bat. Rivera delivered a sharply-hit game-tying single down the left field line. Lozier then, who had been the first batter in the inning, game through with a single to score Rivera and put FPU up 9-8.

Scott Laird singled and the Lions would bring in a second reliever to try and stop the bleeding. It didn't help as Magill ripped a single up the middle to score one more. After Fox was hit by a pitch, Andrews got his second hit of the inning to bring home two more runs making the score 12-8.

The Lions would eventually get out of the inning as the Sunbirds totaled 10 runs on 10 hits and no errors, nearly batting around in the order three times.

Vanguard refused to go quietly, bringing the game within one run heading into the ninth. Rivera came in though and for the second straight day would slam the door for the save.

Chris Herrera earned the win for the Sunbirds with three innings of relief. Orosco took the loss for Vanguard, giving up six runs in 1/3 of an inning. Derek Benny had made the start for the Sunbirds, surrendering five runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Magill finished the day 4-for-5 for FPU. Mehrten and Andrews each collected two hits and two RBI as well.

Catcher John Collins finished 3-for-5 with a home run for the Lions. Four others finished with two hits.

Tomorrow's scheduled doubleheader between the two teams has been postponed, with a makeup date to be determined. FPU's next game will be Thursday at 11:00 am on the road against San Diego Christian. The Sunbirds return home the following Saturday.

Around the GSAC
Point Loma Nazarene 4, Concordia (H) 1
Point Loma Nazarene 8, Concordia (H) 5 (10 inn.)
Cal State San Marcos 10, Biola (H) 2
Cal State San Marcos 3, Biola (H) 1
San Diego Christian (H) 9, Westmont 6
Azusa Pacific (H) 13, The Master's 10
Fresno Pacific (H) 12, Vanguard 11*