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Baseball divides APU doubleheader

The Eagles took game one with a grand-slam finish but left game two unfinished.
Right-handed pitcher  Brayden Englert battles California State University, San Bernadino.
Right-handed pitcher Brayden Englert battles California State University, San Bernadino.
Photo courtesy of Olivia Mays // THE CHIMES

Biola baseball came out swinging at Eagles Diamond in their second doubleheader matchup against the Azusa Pacific University Cougars this weekend. Game one was won in thrilling fashion down to the last inning, 7-3, but game two was cut short as the game was suspended due to lightning.

GAME ONE THRILLER

Game one was a scoring fest for Biola. During the bottom of the second inning, the Eagles secured the first three runs of the night. Junior catcher Ben Smith hit a single that allowed for base rotation, bringing redshirt senior third baseman Jacob Portaro through home plate. Moments later, senior center fielder Johnny Sage singled up the middle and gave way for redshirt sophomore outfielder Ryan Greenlee and junior first baseman Jackson Collins to score.

With Biola now up 3-0, the Cougars began their fight back. Two scoreless innings went by until the top of the fifth inning produced three runs in favor of APU who tied up the game. It then turned into a waiting game as both the Eagles and Cougars went on for six straight innings of scoreless play. It was not until the bottom of the 12th inning when a home run by junior outfielder Brandon Cody brought the loaded bases through home plate and a four-point victory was secured, 7-3.

GAME TWO CUT SHORT

However, game two did not follow the same energy brought by Biola from game one. Both teams stayed at zero throughout the first three innings. It was not until the fourth inning that both teams would score a single run each. APU followed up with three more points in the top of the fifth inning, while Biola was only able to secure two runs in the bottom of the fifth.

The Eagles continued their scoring efforts with three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. But APU remained resilient, matching the energy and scoring three runs for their own. When the bottom of the seventh inning rolled around, lightning struck and abruptly suspended play until further notice. The game stands at APU ahead by one, 7-6.

The Eagles now sit at a 5-12 overall record as they prepare to host Point Loma Nazarene University for another doubleheader on Friday, April 16 starting at 12 p.m.

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About the Contributor
Andi Basista
Andi Basista, News Editor
Andi Basista is a senior journalism major who loves basketball, underground music and is highly appreciative of a good beach day. [email protected]  Originally from a small farm town in Ohio, I have put aside my corn shucking gloves to embrace a new life in the Angel City to study sports journalism. It is true what they say about culture shock and LA traffic. I am used to being late to work because of getting stuck behind a John Deere tractor, but now it is because of gridlock on the I5. However, I have quickly adjusted to the city life and haven’t looked back since. I moved from the midwest out to Los Angeles over two years ago. Since then my life has changed in big ways. I have learned the importance of pursuing my dreams in order to make them a reality. Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the time I was able to stand up on my own, there was always a ball in my hand. Basketball quickly became my MO. I was involved in multiple athletic organizations, traveling on AAU teams and playing my way through my middle and high school league. My passion for the sport is what inspired me to pursue a career in sports journalism. Being at a place like Biola that has an abundance of opportunities has allowed me to expand from my small-town roots, and that is something I am truly thankful for.
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