Game 2 - Fresno Pacific 7, Azusa Pacific 1 (7 innings)

AZUSA, Calif. - After giving up five late runs cost FPU the first game, the Sunbirds came back with a decisive 7-1 victory in game two to split Saturday's doubleheader at Azusa Pacific and even up the four-game series with the first-place Cougars (12-6, 8-2 PacWest).

The Sunbirds (14-10, 6-6 PacWest) got a complete game from starting pitcher Wilson Ashford in the victory while Joshua Banuelos went 3-for-4 with three RBI and his second homerun of the series. Michael Hostetler and McKay France each had two hits in the second game while Hunter Villanueva drove in two runs.

"We needed that game," said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn after the game two victory. "Ashford stepped up and did a great job on the mound and our offense came around and produced. It was great to see the team come together and play for each other and with passion."

In game one the teams were tied 2-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh after a quality start by FPU's Drew Merlo but the Sunbirds would go through four different relievers in a three-run Cougar seventh that ended up being the deciding factor in the loss. Zach Hedges tossed a complete game for the Cougars and Villanueva finished 2-for-4 for FPU.

FPU is back home next weekend, taking on Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday.