Westmont split a Golden State Athletic Conference doubleheader with No. 17 Fresno Pacific, winning the first game 3-2 then falling in the second 7-3.
In the early game, the Warriors fell behind 2-0 before scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Westmont starter Dan Cabuling, who would eventually be credited with the win, walked in a run in the second inning to give Fresno Pacific a 1-0 lead. In the top of the third, Scott Laird hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Michael Vaughn to score from third.
In the sixth, Westmont’s Tim Leary led off the inning and reached on an error by Frenso Pacific’s right fielder Kevin Magill. Coby Cress then singled to left field, moving Leary to second where Geoff Rocha took his place as a pinch runner.
David Gabel came to the plate and attempted a sacrifice bunt. However, Rocha was thrown out at third, leaving runners at first and second with one away. Fresno Pacific loaded the bases by hitting designated hitter Jarratt Rouse with a pitch.
Thomas Hocutt was called upon to pinch hit for catcher Brandon Gildea and hit a sacrifice fly to left field to drive in Cress. Shortstop Brent Fukushima tripled down the right field line to bring both Rouse and Gabel home.
Cabuling, who improved his record to 1-1, pitched six innings allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out five and walked six. Mitch Crocker pitched two innings in relief, allowing three hits without surrendering a run. Michael Kwan picked up his third save of the year, pitching the ninth innings and not allowing a hit.
In the second game, the Warriors (6-9-1, 1-3 GSAC) gave up a run in the top of the third but scored twice in the bottom half of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. The first run came on RBI singles by J.J. Turbin and Leary. Westmont added another run in the bottom of the fourth when Gabel scored on a ground ball by Fukushima.
However, the Sunbirds (11-5, 3-1) scored three runs in the top of the fifth – two on a home run by Robbie De La Cruz – and another three in the eighth – two on a double to right center by Michael Rivera.
Tim Leary suffered the loss after giving up four runs on five hits in five innings of work. Fresno Pacific’s Derek Benny was awarded the win.
Next week, the Warriors will take on the Eagles of #10 Biola (7-10, 1-3) in a four-game series.
