FRESNO, Calif.- The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds suffered a heartbreaking 8-4 loss to the Chaminade Silverswords on Friday evening at Dan Martin Stadium. Despite controlling the game for seven innings, an eighth-inning meltdown saw the Sunbirds surrender eight runs, ultimately leading to their loss to tie the series 2-2.
The game began as a tightly contested pitching battle, with Fresno Pacific's starter Dalton Alford delivering a stellar performance. Alford kept Chaminade scoreless through six strong innings, allowing only three hits while striking out five batters. Alford's command on the mound kept the Silverswords off balance, and he effectively worked out of a few early baserunner situations to maintain control.
Offensively, the Sunbirds struck first in the fourth inning. After a leadoff single from Gabe Henderson, Aaron Martinez Jr. worked a walk to put two runners on. Jacob Solorio then executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance both runners, setting up Roman Rosales, who delivered a clutch two-run single through the right side to put Fresno Pacific ahead 2-0.
The Sunbirds added another run in the fifth when Henderson drove in Trent Mallonee with a sacrifice fly after Mallonee had reached on an error and advanced to third on a wild pitch. The Sunbirds appeared in control with a 3-0 lead, thanks to their clean defensive play and Alford's steady presence on the mound.
As the game progressed, the 'Birds continued to look sharp, adding a fourth run in the seventh. After a leadoff walk to Jordan Smith, Brett Carrel laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him to second. Mallonee followed with a sacrifice fly to center, allowing J. Smith to advance to third. Henderson then reached on an error by the shortstop, allowing Smith to score and pushing the lead to 4-0.
However, the Sunbirds' momentum came to a crashing halt in the eighth inning when the bullpen faltered. Reliever Derek McNary took over for Jake Turley and immediately ran into trouble. The Silverswords drew a walk and ripped a double down the left-field line, putting two runners in scoring position with no outs.
Chaminade then secured an RBI single, cutting the lead to 4-1. Things spiraled out of control when reliever Austin Watson entered and gave up another RBI single. With the score at 4-2 and runners still on base, Watson hit Aydan Lobetos with a pitch, loading the bases. Pinch hitter Jackson Dorn then broke the game open with a two-run double, tying the game at 4-4.
With the Sunbirds struggling to stop the bleeding, Andrew Barger came in to pitch but issued a walk to Evon Williams before surrendering a two-run single to Ace Perry, putting Chaminade ahead 6-4. A sacrifice bunt added another run, and a wild pitch allowed Perry to score, capping off the devastating eight-run inning that left the 'Birds in shock.
Trailing 8-4, the Sunbirds attempted a late rally in the bottom of the ninth. Michael Gomez drew a leadoff walk, and Carson Sandoval entered as a pinch runner. However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed when Carrel grounded into a double play. Mallonee managed a two-out single to keep the inning alive, but Henderson walked, putting two runners on. Unfortunately, Martinez Jr. struck out looking to end the game, sealing the Sunbirds' defeat.
Despite the loss, standout performances included Henderson's solid all-around game (1-for-3, RBI, stolen base, sacrifice fly) and Rosales' two-run single that initially gave the Sunbirds momentum. Alford's six scoreless innings were another positive takeaway, showing his ability to dominate early in games.
UP NEXT
The Sunbirds will head south for a four game series with the Point Loma Sea Lions starting on Friday, March 28th at Carroll B. Land Stadium.
