Fresno Pacific's relentless lineup and stellar pitching were both on display Friday night as the Sunbirds swept a doubleheader from #15 Azusa Pacific by scores of 9-5 and 1-0. The Sunbirds (15-7, 6-5 PacWest) collected 15 hits and rallied to win game one before holding on to win a pitcher's duel behind a fantastic performance from Drew Merlo in game two.

Michael Tittle collected four hits on the day and Merlo tossed a seven-inning shutout with nine strikeouts and no walks to win the second game.

"Drew Merlo was phenomenal," said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn. "He pounded the zone and had all his pitches working. He's been really consistent all year. It was really fun to watch and he deserved that win."

The Sunbirds fell behind 4-1 in game one but Josh Medeles struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings of relief to allow the team to come back. Steven Lozier, making his season debut after missing the first part of the season, went 2-for-5 with four RBI including a bases clearing three-RBI double. Michael Hostetler finished 3-for-4.

"Josh was a rock for us," said Hirschkorn. "He battled and kept us in the game. Any time you're down and your team shows that 'no quit' attitude, that's what you're proud of as a coach. Lozier was a nice spark in the lineup. We're starting to get guys healthy again and seeing that lineup take shape."

Preston Scott collected hits in both games to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.

The two teams conclude the series tomorrow at 11 am. FPU will hold its championship ring ceremony for the 2014 NCCAA World Series champions prior to the game at 10:45 am.