AZUSA, Calif. — Although the first doubleheader was cancelled on Friday, the Fresno Pacific baseball team maintained their momentum and sailed past Azusa Pacific with a 9-8 victory then followed it up with a 10-3 win in the series finale.

"I'm very proud of the team," said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn. "The way they dealt with the rainy conditions all week and the way they adjusted as our schedule changed on the trip is exactly what you hope for as a coach.

GAME 1 | FPU 9, APU 8

Fresno Pacific took an early lead in the first inning against Azusa Pacific. Darryl Dilworth walked and advanced to third base on a passed ball and a wild pitch. Gabe Henderson also walked, setting the stage for Chris Clement's single up the middle that brought in Dilworth and Henderson, giving the Sunbirds a 2-0 advantage. Azusa Pacific was unable to score in their half, ending the inning with Fresno Pacific leading 2-0.

In the fourth inning, Ruben Rodriguez and Vincent Robinson both singled, and Dilworth walked to load the bases. Henderson then delivered a single up the middle, driving in Rodriguez and Robinson. Azusa Pacific responded with a solo home run, making the score 4-1, then rallied in the fifth inning by scoring three runs to tie the game, 4-4.

In the sixth inning, the 'Birds regained the lead. Tejean Smith scored on a passed ball, and Dilworth scored on a single by Aaron Martinez Jr., putting Fresno Pacific ahead 6-4. APU added one run in the bottom of the inning, closing the gap to 6-5.

FPU Baseball increased its lead in the eighth inning with three more runs. Henderson walked and scored on a single by Titus Wheelock. Martinez was hit by a pitch and later scored on Clement's single. Wheelock then scored on a sacrifice fly by Alex Lopez, extending Fresno Pacific's lead to 9-5. Azusa Pacific mounted a comeback in the ninth inning by hitting a three-run home run, bringing Azusa Pacific within one. However, the Sunbirds held on to secure a 9-8 victory over the Cougars.

Jake Turley started for Fresno Pacific, pitching 5 innings and allowing 6 hits and 4 runs, while striking out 2 batters. Clement delivered three RBIs on two hits and swiped a base. Henderson added two runs and two RBIs, along with two stolen bases, showcasing strong fielding with six assists. Martinez drove in a run and scored once, while fielding four assists at third base.

GAME 2 | FPU 10, APU 3

The 'Birds collected a total 19 runs on the weekend. The Sunbirds' offense was highlighted by 16 hits, including three doubles, and six stolen bases in the second game. Fresno Pacific opened the scoring in the first inning with Henderson scoring on a sacrifice fly by Wheelock after reaching third on a single by Aaron Martinez. Azusa Pacific responded in the second inning, taking the lead with a solo home run and a two-run homer, bringing the score to 1-3.

Fresno Pacific tied the game in the third inning thanks to Dilworth who scored on an RBI single by Martinez, who later came home on a double by Chris Clement. The score was 3-3 after three innings.

In the fourth inning, FPU surged ahead with four runs. Eric Wilson doubled and scored on a groundout by Dilworth. Martinez drove in two more runs with a double, and Clement added another RBI with a single., making it 7-3. Fresno Pacific continued its offensive momentum in the fifth inning with Henderson driving in two more runs with a single, extending the lead to 9-3. Smith hit an RBI single in the sixth inning to push the score to the final 10-3.

On the mound, Derek McNary started the game for the Sunbirds, pitching 1 inning and facing 7 batters. McNary allowed 2 hits, including a home run, 1 earned run, and issued 2 walks while striking out 1 batter. Senneway delivered a strong performance in relief, pitching 5 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run. He faced 22 batters, conceded 4 hits, issued 2 walks, and struck out 2, maintaining a whip of 1.18.

Martinez recorded three hits, including a double, and tallied three RBIs. Henderson added two hits and drove in two runs, contributing to his two-score performance. Clement collected four hits, one of which was a double, while also driving in two runs.

"On the field I thought we played tough.  We had good at bats all day and made pitches when we needed to.  We made a lot of plays one defense, too. I also believe Chris Clement had a really good day. He was very consistent and focused."

The Sunbirds are 10-4 overall and 5-1 in PacWest play. The team is currently ranked in the Top three of the PacWest standings and sixth in west regional rankings.

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