San Diego Christian’s Chad Erickson slides under the tag of Westmont second baseman Brent Fukushima.
A five-run 10th inning by San Diego Christian was the difference on Friday afternoon as the Hawks topped Westmont 8-3 in the Golden State Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
Westmont took a 3-2 lead with a three-run fifth inning but San Diego Christian, ranked No. 22 in the NAIA, tied the score in the top of the seventh.
Both teams came into the game with an undefeated record. Westmont is now 2-1 while San Diego improves to 4-0.
Graylin Derke was Westmont’s only batter to record multiples hits. Joey Gonzales, Steven Pollex and Chris Stroh drove in runs for the Warriors.
San Diego’s Mark Vasquez pitched a 10-inning complete game to earn the victory. Vasquez gave up six hits while striking out seven.
San Diego’s offense accumulated 19 hits, with Stwoers going 4-for-6. Three players – Cade Gotta, Chad Erickson, and Lusardi – added three more each.
The two teams finish their weekend series with a double header on Saturday that begins at 11 a.m.
