FRESNO, Calif.- The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds won both games of a doubleheader against the Western Oregon Wolves on Friday, winning 16-8 in game one and then in walk-off style 2-1 in game two.
GAME ONE
The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds put on an offensive masterclass, dismantling Western Oregon 18-6 at home in game one. A relentless batting performance, highlighted by five home runs and 14 total hits, propelling the Sunbirds to their third win of the season.
The 'Birds wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring five runs in the first inning. Trent Mallonee got things started with a leadoff single, setting the stage for a powerful offensive push. Austin Cappas delivered the biggest blow of the frame, crushing a grand slam to give Fresno Pacific an early cushion.
The offensive surge continued into the second inning, where the Sunbirds tacked on five more runs. Teejan Smith and Gabe Henderson reached base before Roman Rosales and Aaron Martinez Jr. came through with clutch hits, driving in key runs. By the end of two innings, Fresno Pacific held a commanding 10-0 lead.
The Sunbirds kept piling on runs throughout the game, showing no mercy to Western Oregon's pitching staff. Eric Wilson launched a solo home run, while Mallonee added his own blast to deep left field, part of his 3-for-4 performance with a stolen base and two RBIs.
On the mound, O'Bannon delivered a strong start, tossing seven innings while allowing six runs on ten hits. He struck out six batters and limited Western Oregon's scoring threats until the late innings.
Sunbird relievers closed out the game with a solid final two innings, shutting down the Wolves comeback despite putting up five runs. A six-run explosion in the seventh inning, capped by a two-run double from Teejan Smith, put the game completely out of reach, as the 'Birds run ruled the Wolves 18-6.
GAME TWO
Game two was a back-and-forth affair, ending in electric fashion with a walk-off in the seventh inning.
Starting pitcher Tim Ruiz was in control from the first pitch, delivering an electric five-inning performance. Ruiz allowed just three hits and two walks, striking out six batters, keeping Western Oregon off balance.
The Sunbirds' defense played clean, making key plays to back up Ruiz's strong outing.
Offense was hard to come by, as both teams struggled against strong pitching. The Sunbirds finally got on the board in the second inning when Martinez Jr. walked and advanced to third off a wild pitch. Shane Pursell capitalized on the opportunity, driving in Martinez with a sac-fly to give Fresno Pacific a 1-0 lead.
Western Oregon responded in the sixth inning, tying the game after a bases loaded hit by pitch. However, Fresno Pacific didn't waste any time reclaiming the lead.
With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh, after a pair of single by Martinez and Pursell, Ethan Tsui reached on a fielders choice advancing Martinez to third. With the game on the line, Eric Wilson reached on an error by the third baseman, scoring Martinez Jr. to win the game for the 'Birds.
UP NEXT
The Sunbirds and Toros will face off in another double header Saturday at Dan Martin Stadium. First pitch is set for 11am, and will be simulcasted on the PacWest Network and ESPN 790 AM.
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