The Biola baseball team suffered their first loss of the season to Madonna University, falling 6-7 at Eagles Diamond. The Eagles split a two-game series with the Crusaders Friday afternoon.
The Eagles dominated the first game of the doubleheader, defeating the Crusaders 7-1. Senior Michael Frisina started on the mound for the Eagles. He was nearly unhittable over seven innings, throwing less than 90 pitches in the win. Frisina kept Madonna scoreless through seven innings before he was relieved by senior Justin Rodriguez.
The strong defensive output was matched with a strong offensive attack as well. The Eagles scored seven runs, including home runs from junior catcher Brent Opdyke and sophomore infielder Boone Farrington, who was the first Eagle to score off an RBI ground out by sophomore Vinnie Fayard.
Farrington advanced to first base after he was hit by a pitch. Junior infielder Garrett Leon stepped up to the plate next and drove in two runs with a home run to left field. Senior outfielder Trever Blood added one more run in the eight as he scored on a wild pitch. Rodriguez finished off the Crusaders in the ninth inning, allowing just one Crusader to touch all four bases.
The second game, however, Madonna was the team who took advantage of errors and a stronger offensive attack. The Crusaders scored the first two runs of the game, led by senior Zach Flavin, who drove in the first run on an RBI single and got the offense going for Madonna.
The Eagles came back to match nearly every run for one of their own. Sophomore outfielder Phillip Blazek was the first Eagle to score on a RBI ground out by sophomore catcher Mike Lopez. Madonna scored another run in the third on a Biola error, but failed to capitalize having runners on scoring position.
The Eagles came back to threaten in the third as the first four batters reached with singles. The Eagles scored one run but ended the inning with runners in scoring position. The two teams were nearly matched up to the sixth inning. Senior Ted Toune drove a three-run home run to centerfield that put the Crusaders up 6-2.
Biola quickly came back with two runs of their own with two RBIs. The Eagles tied the game in the seventh inning as Opdyke hit a foul ball to third that was caught. However, the Crusader third baseman was unable to throw Fayard out as he tagged up and scored on the play.
As the two teams went into extra innings, junior Alex Brueske was given the task of pitching. Brueske was able to force the first two batters out. Flavin stepped up next and gave Madonna a 7-6 lead with a home run to left field. The Eagles were unable to come back and suffered their first loss of the season.
Biola opens GSAC play in a two game series Wednesday and Thursday against No. 2 Point Loma Nazarene.
