In an unusual day at Russ Carr Field, Westmont Baseball (19-17, 10-15 GSAC) came away with one Golden State Athletic Conference win and one loss. The Warriors began the day by picking up where they left off on February 11 when their game at Vanguard (15-20, 8-14) was suspended for darkness after nine innings with a 9-9 score.
Batting first as the visiting team on their own diamond, the Warriors put up three runs in the top of the tenth inning. With one away David Gabel sent a towering ball over the left field fence for a solo home run. Tommy Hocutt tripled to right center and then scored on a single by Brandon Gildea. The Warriors added another run when Brent Fukushima singled up the middle to drive in Kevin Hammer.
Westmont pitcher Brian Murphy (3-4), who had been on the mound when the game was suspended in February, picked up the win after retiring the Lions in order in the bottom of the tenth inning.
In the regularly scheduled game, Vanguard claimed a 6-1 win. The Lions scored in each of the first four innings, posting one run in odd numbered innings, and two runs in even numbered innings.
The game turned on four fielding errors by the Warriors, all of which resulted in a run for the Lions.
Westmont’s only run was also the product of an error. Brent Fukushima reached on a Vanguard error and then took second on a single to left by David Pennington. Both runners advanced on a ground ball by Chris Stroh. Fukushima scored on a sacrifice fly by J.J. Turbin.
Murphy, who stayed on the mound to start the second game, took the loss. He gave up six run, only two of which were earned, in four innings of work. He allowed five hits and struck out three. Russell Harmening pitched the final five innings. He did not allow a run, gave up just two hits and struck out four.
The Warriors and Lions will match up again on Thursday in a doubleheader at Russ Carr Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
