The Biola Eagles made history with a record-breaking program win. The Eagles played the Jessup Warriors for a pair of doubleheaders on Feb. 21–22, and in game two of the doubleheader on Feb. 21, the Eagles made sure to make their presence known. Jessup was undefeated with a 5–0 record and beat the Eagles for game one, but our Eagles ended their winning streak.
Graduate assistant coach Jonathan Kumai remarked on the team’s expectations heading into game two.
“We did not expect to break the record for most runs scored in a game,” said Kumai. “Although we did expect to come back and win with a lot more fight and compete than the first game.”
Freshman catcher Nicholas Whippo added, “I did not expect a record-breaking win, but I had complete confidence in our team and our coaching staff that we were going to respond and win the second game.”
FUTURE ACE?
True freshman Luke Ballantyne started on the mound. Regardless of his freshman status, Ballantyne dominated and proved to be a true ace. With an ERA of 1.80 and 1.20 WHIP, this freshman has quickly become an arm the Eagles can rely on. With only four starts, including this game, he has a 3–1 record. Ballantyne secured the win and pitched deep into the fourth, and struck out four.
“Ballantyne is expected to start every weekend unless things out of his control affect this,” said Kumai.
HISTORIC GAME
With no runs recorded for either team in the first inning, the Eagles changed the tempo as center fielder Nick Madole hit an RBI single that scored catcher Whippo, followed by third baseman Noah Ruiz, who hit a 2-RBI double. The Eagles secured the lead 3–0.
Jessup was able to score a run in the top of the third, but the Eagles remained strong as they scored eight runs. Shortstop Luke Caruso started the rally that made the Eagles known. The rally included back-to-back 2-RBI doubles from center fielder Tommy Kendlinger and right fielder Ty Cowley, but the doubles didn’t stop there as first baseman James Whitman hit an additional 2-RBI double. The Eagles kept the lead 11–1.
In the top of the third, Jessup managed to add another run, making the score 11–2. But the Eagles kept the bats coming as Adiel Torres came in for Ruiz and hit a leadoff homer on the first pitch. The Eagles kept the slugfest alive, but Torres’ homer was the only run recorded in the bottom of the fourth, making it 12–2.
Jessup added two more runs on the scoreboard in the top of the 6th, but it did not compare to the Eagles’ power displayed in the bottom of the 6th. 13 hits and eight runs were recorded in the inning.
Starting the inning strong, Cole Wentz hit a leadoff moonshot. But the power didn’t stop there as Whippo followed Wentz and hit his first bomb out of the park in the Eagle’s uniform.
“It was pretty awesome and one of the coolest moments of my life,” said Whippo. “It was kind of surreal watching it go over the fence and hearing my walk-up song while I was running the bases. But the best part was my teammates’ reactions and their happiness when I got in the dugout.”
The power kept coming with Cole Thomson, who hit a double. Torres made his presence known again as he hit a 3-run homer. Jessup’s pitching struggled to find the strike zone as they gave up eight free bases, walking three and hitting five batters. This inning made history for the Eagles as the scoreboard lit up with a 25–4 lead.
“My thoughts are that although every game is not going to be that high scoring, the result should be a win every time we compete with that much energy and team-first mentality,” said Kumai.
Tristian Cazel came in for Ballantyne from the top of the 5th through mid-6th, with Chris McClean who finished the job and ended the game 25–4.
“This sets the tone for the rest of the season by giving the offense confidence that we have shown what we can do. Now, it’s just time to go do it every game,” said Kumai.
The Eagles continued their dominance as they swept them for the doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 22, and went 3–1 for the series. The Eagles seemed to have found their groove.
“It’s really awesome to be a part of this team,” said Whippo. “This team is really special, and I have known this from the beginning, and I am not shocked that this team is a part of history.”
