LA MIRADA, Calif.- It was all Biola Eagles Friday afternoon as they dominated the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds in a pair of games at Eagles Diamond.
GAME ONE
In game of the doubleheader, the Sunbirds engaged in an offensive shootout with Biola but ultimately fell 18-8 in a game where 28 total runs and 30 hits lit up the scoreboard.
The Sunbirds briefly seized control of the game behind key offensive outbursts, including a two-run homer by first-baseman Roman Rosales in the top of the 4th inning that gave FPU a 4-2 lead. Rosales had a standout day, going 2-for-4 with a home run, double, and three RBI's. Rosales was part of a 4-run rally in the 5th that saw Aaron Martinez Jr. and Jacob Solorio also provide big hits.
Martinez Jr., a force at third base despite committing two errors, had a perfect 3-for-3 day, including a triple and an RBI. Cole Brincefield and Trent Mallonee each added doubles, while Gabe Henderson contributed an RBI groundout.
But that offensive spark wasn't enough to keep pace with Biola's unrelenting lineup.
The Eagles matched the Sunbirds' offensive firepower with even more explosiveness. After falling behind 8-4 in the 5th, Biola scored 14 unanswered runs from the bottom of the 5th through the 7th inning. Biola totaled 20 hits including three home runs, and had six different players drive in runs.
The 'Birds pitching fell apart as starter Connor Semone was tagged for 9 earned runs on 12 hits in 5 innings. The bullpen trio of Same Cooper, Tim Ruiz, and Josh Moreno surrendered 9 more runs on 8 hits and 3 walks in just 2 innings of relief.
The Sunbird's defense didn't help either, committing 3 errors, that extended innings and set up key scoring plays.
GAME TWO
The second game of the doubleheader followed a similar script, as the Sunbirds once again showed offensive life but couldn't overcome early damage on the mound, falling 10-5 to a surging Eagle's team.
Starter Josiah O'Bannon ran into immediate trouble in the 2nd inning. After walking Ty Cowley, he surrendered a two run-home to Luke Caruso, igniting a 4-run inning. In the 3rd, Biola added five more runs, including a clutch three-RBI double by Josh McAnich. O'Bannon was pulled after giving up 8 runs on 7 hits in just 2.2 innings.
Reliever Joseph Gamber limited further damage but not before Biola stretched the lead to 10-2 in the fifth inning.
The 'Birds chipped away with a two-run third inning, highlighted by an RBI single from Henderson and heads-up baserunning that allowed him to score on an error after a stolen base. In the 5th, the Sunbirds pulled within striking distance with 3 more runs—one scoring on a wild pitch and another off a Clement RBI double to right field.
Clement, who went 2-for-3 with a double, walk, and an RBI, was the most consistent bat for Fresno Pacific in the second game. Henderson also reached base four times (1-for-2 with 2 walks, RBI, SB), and Gavin Enns doubled off the bench.
Despite the effort, FPU stranded runners in key spots and ran into a sharp bullpen. Kyle Osterhage shut the door with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, striking out 3 and allowing just 2 hits.
UP NEXT
The Sunbirds will look to bounce back tomorrow in another doubleheader starting 12:00pm with game two approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game two. Both games will be streamed on the PacWest Network.
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