AZUSA, Calif. - To make up postponed matches, Fresno Pacific baseball split the day against Azusa Pacific with final scores of 8-6 and 3-1 on Tuesday afternoon. In game one, the Sunbirds managed 16 hits and three doubles, but Azusa Pacific's three home runs proved decisive. However, the 'Birds secured an early lead in the second game and held tight to it till the very end.
GAME 1 | FPU 6, APU 8
Azusa Pacific scored twice in the third inning off a homer to right center and an RBI single. Another home run in the fourth inning extended Azusa's lead, bringing the score to 3-0. Although the Sunbirds tallied hit after hit, the Cougars kept them from scoring until the sixth inning.
The Sunbirds responded when
Titus Wheelock singled and later scored on
Aaron Martinez Jr.'s RBI single, cutting the deficit to 4-1. In the seventh inning,
Holden Hirschkorn and
Darryl Dilworth Jr. each singled, followed by
Eric Wilson's RBI double.
Gabe Henderson then delivered a two-RBI single, bringing home Wilson and Dilworth, to tie it all up at 4.
Unfortunately, Azusa Pacific regained control in the bottom of the seventh with a grand slam by Robinette, pushing the score to 8-4. The Sunbirds attempted a comeback in the ninth inning. Martinez and
Alex Lopez each reached base, setting the stage for
Brennan Johnson's two-RBI double, narrowing the margin to 8-6 before the comeback was cut short with a final strikeout.
Overall, Dilworth recorded three hits and drew two walks in a strong offensive performance. Henderson contributed with two RBIs, helping to drive in key runs. Martinez added three hits and one RBI to bolster the lineup. Johnson also played a significant role, tallying two RBIs and two hits, including a double.
GAME 2 | FPU 3, APU 1
The action began in the second inning when FPU's shortstop, Henderson, walked and stole second, setting the stage for
Bodhi Verners, who doubled down the left field line, driving in both Henderson and Johnson, who had been hit by a pitch. This put the Sunbirds ahead 2–0, capturing their first lead of the day!
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Azusa Pacific responded with another solo home run by Robinette, narrowing the Sunbirds' lead to 2–1.
The Blue and Orange extended its advantage in the sixth inning. Martinez singled through the left side and later scored on a single by Henderson, making the final score 3–1.
Cruz Cabral pitched six innings for the Sunbirds, allowing one earned run on eight hits and striking out ten.
Andrew Stalnaker closed the game, earning the save with a scoreless seventh inning.
Fresno Pacific is 28-24 overall and 23-17 in PacWest play. After making up their two games, the Sunbirds sit fourth in the conference standings. The baseball team heads into their final home series against Vanguard May 1-2. The action starts at 2 pm on Friday!
SUNBIRD SOCIAL Â
- X - @fpusunbirds Â
- Instagram - @fpusunbirds Â
- Facebook - /FPUsunbirds Â
#TeamFPU
