FRESNO, Calif.  – The Fresno Pacific University baseball team traded wins with Holy Names on Saturday, taking the opener of a doubleheader 11-3 before falling 6-5 in the series finale. The win helps the Sunbirds win the series 3-1 after winning both games on Friday evening.   

Freshman Nic Boatman received the starting nod to begin Saturday's twin bill, and he began the day by retiring the side in order on just nine pitches. His offense clicked early, providing Boatman with a two-run cushion heading into the second inning.

Boatman hung four consecutive zeroes on the Hawks before they finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth, but the righthander was in command for most of the day. He finished his day with eight innings on the hill, scattering six hits and picking up five strikeouts while allowing just two runs.

Carson Schellenberg allowed a run in his lone inning of relief work, but the Sunbirds were able to win their third straight and improve to 5-2 in Boatman's starts this season. Offensively, FPU set a new season-best for doubles in a game with eight, including two from catcher Braden Frankfort.

Holy Names starter Aiden McIntyre took the loss after lasting 5.1 innings and surrendering six runs on eight base hits. Jacob Rivera was the first man out of the bullpen but failed to record an out, paving the way for Daniel Hopkins to throw the final 2.2 chapters for the Hawks.

The Hawks' biggest hit of the day came in the fifth, when third baseman Ryan Paniagua plated two with a triple to the gap in right center. First baseman Nick Snyder was the lone HNU hitter with a multi-hit game, finishing the opener with a single and a double under his belt.

FPU turned to southpaw Tyler Rumbaugh for the series finale, but the lefthander was chased after allowing five runs and issuing three walks over the game's first 1.2 innings. Zach Fleeman, Nic Garcia, and Tanner Irwin teamed up for the final 5.1 stanzas, with Fleeman allowing the only other run.

Hunter Villanueva gave the Sunbirds their first run of the game with a solo shot to left field, giving him three home runs for the series and five for the year. Five teammates added a base hit, but the Sunbird rally came up short in the seventh inning, allowing the Hawks to steal a victory.

Leftfielder Jordan Zaragoza proved to be a catalyst from the top of the order, contributing three hits, three RBI, and two runs to highlight the day for HNU. Ricardo Torres overcame six walks to go the distance for Holy Names, allowing just two earned runs along the way.

Fresno Pacific will be back in action on Monday, May 8, when they are set to host Point Loma for a PacWest doubleheader. First pitch from FPU Diamond is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.