Westmont first baseman Michael Pollex holds on San Diego Christian baserunner Chad Erickson.
Westmont Baseball (2-3, 0-3 GSAC) fell victim to the No. 22 San Diego Christian Hawks in both games of a doubleheader on Saturday at Russ Carr Field. The Warriors lost the first game 6-3 and the second 7-2.
In the opener, Westmont took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a solo homerun by David Gabel that hit the scoreboard. However, the Warriors gave up three runs in the top of the fourth and two in the top of the fifth to fall behind 5-1.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Warriors put together a two-out rally and scored twice. Second baseman Brent Fukushima walked and centerfielder Michael Frigon laid down a bunt single. An error on the throw from the Hawk’s third baseman allowed Fukushima to reach third on the play.
The inning should have come to an end when Westmont shortstop Joey Gonzales struck out. However, the ball got away from catcher Christian Johnson. That allowed Fukushima to score, Frigon to reach second and Gonzales to arrive safely at first. That brought up left fielder Steven Pollex whose single allowed Frigon to cross home plate. However, that would be the end of the scoring for the Warriors.
Starter Russell Harmening took the loss for the Warriors after giving up five runs on eight hits. Harmening struck out seven and walked two. The win went to the Hawks’ Gabriel Hemmer who allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits. He struck out 14 and walked four.
After giving up one run in each of the first two innings of the second game, the Warriors rallied in the bottom of the second to knot the game at two runs each. Second baseman Rudy Leon homered to left to start things off on the right foot. Two outs later, Frigon singled to left and Pollex walked. Brandon Gildea then produced a single to right center field to drive in Frigon.
The score remained 2-2 until the sixth inning of the seven inning game when the Hawks scored twice. San Diego Christian added three more in the top of the seventh.
The Warriors had some hope when pinch hitter Ryan Beveridge doubled down the left field line in the bottom of the seventh. However, the Warriors were unable to turn the lead-off hit into runs.
Starter Alex Bush was charged with the loss. He pitched five and one-third innings giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits. Bush struck out three without surrendering a walk. Joey Aquino claimed the win for the Hawks after allowing two runs on seven hits.
Westmont will continue GSAC play next weekend with three games at Biola on Friday and Saturday.
