The Eagles baseball team split a GSAC series against Westmont Saturday. Each team played to their strengths in the series as Biola exploded offensively in the first game and Westmont pitched a lights out performance the second game.
After the series against Westmont, Biola finds itself 12-6 overall for the season and 6-5 in GSAC play. Westmont moved to 7-13 overall and 3-7 in conference play.
Biola was first to get on board in the first game with a home run by senior Trever Blood. Blood hit a two-run home run in the second inning, giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead. Senior Armando Arzate singled in the third to extend the lead to 3-0.
After the Eagles added two more runs in the fourth inning, Westmont got on the scoreboard with a set of wild pitches by senior pitcher Dale Harder. Westmont held the Eagles scoreless for one inning before Biola’s offense ignited again in the last three innings.
Junior Garret Leon singled to third base to drive in the second run of the sixth inning, pushing Biola’s lead to 7-2.
Trying to spark some offense, Westmont added two more runs in the seventh inning off of consecutive Westmont singles.
Junior pitcher Kyle Atkins then got the call to close out the game, holding Westmont scoreless in the final two innings. Sophomore Vinnie Fayard hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach.
Despite Biola’s strong offensive performance in the first game, Westmont sophomore pitcher timothy Leary held the Eagle’s bats at bay the second game.
The Eagles were the first to strike, scoring two runs in the first inning. Fayard hit an RBI single to left field and Blood drove in a run with a fly out to right field.
The Warriors were next to strike in the second inning with three runs of their own. Four Westmont batters singled and another player walked in the inning. After four hits, Westmont pulled ahead with a one-run lead heading into the second inning.
Junior Alex Brueske allowed Westmont to tie the game, and a Warrior single gave them what would turn out to be the winning run of the game.
The pitchers for both teams took the mound for the next six innings without allowing a run, putting an end to the opposing team’s threats.
After a failed attempt to tie the game in the sixth, Biola came to bat with one last chance to gain the lead. Sophomore Boon Farrington kept things alive with a single after two quick outs. Leon then stepped to the plate and hit a double to left field, but Farrington was thrown out at home while trying to score, giving Westmont the victory.
Biola will return to Eagle Diamond Thursday March 18 to host San Diego Christian College in a GSAC doubleheader.
