Box Score

Fresno Pacific jumped ahead early with three runs in the first inning and never looked back as the Sunbirds defeated #21 Cal Baptist 7-1 on Thursday to open up a four-game PacWest series.

Wilson Ashford tossed a complete game, giving up just five hits and one run while striking out six to stifle a Lancer lineup that came in hitting a PacWest-high .322 as a team.

"That was just a great performance by Wilson Ashford and that's been the case every week this season," said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn. "He's a great pitcher, has such a feel for the game and knows exactly what he's trying to do. He was exceptional tonight against a great lineup."

The Lancers, ranked #3 in the West Region, dropped to 20-9, 5-8 in the PacWest. Starting pitcher Jonathan Davis was chased from the game after just one inning as FPU delivered five hard-hit base hits off the Lancer righty.

"The first inning was big," said Hirschkorn. "It's always big if you can put runs on the board early and get momentum on your side. The at-bats we took were exceptional and set us up really nicely. What really impressed me though was the way the guys didn't let up throughout the game and were able to break through with three more runs in the seventh."

Baron Bower, Joshua Banuelos and Kaohu Gaspar each went 2-for-4 in the win. Banuelos drove in two runs and Gaspar delivered an RBI triple.

Josh Ferrell was effective in relief for CBU, throwing seven innings and striking out seven while giving up two earned runs. Nathan Antoun and Andrew Montoya had two hits apiece for the Lancers but Ashford did a good job of controlling CBU outfielder Andy Crowley, who entered the game hitting .398 but went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

"We have to remember there's a lot of baseball left to be played," said Hirschkorn. "We need to come back with the same approach and agressive mindset tomorrow."

The two teams meet up again tomorrow at 6 pm. FPU will be hosting Alumni Orange Out Night, featuring food and prizes. Any fan wearing orange can get admission for a discounted price of $3. Kids under 12 get in free.