By the time right-hander Russell Harmening had taken the mound, Warrior sluggers had already provided more than enough firepower to win the game. A lead-off double by Michael Stefanic and back-to-back home runs by Blake Matthias and Michael Pollex paved the way for Westmont Baseball’s 7-0 Golden State Athletic Conference blanking of the Mustangs of The Master’s College (17-5, 12-4 GSAC). With the win, the Warriors improved to 16-5 overall and 10-4 in GSAC play.
Harmening struck out 10 batters in the seven innings he pitched while surrendering just one walk and scattering four hits. The junior from Oceanside improved to 5-1 on the year and lowered his earned run average to 1.29.
Stephen Larson pitched the final two innings for the Warriors, striking out two, allowing one walk and giving up two hits.
Offensively, the Warriors pounded the Mustangs for 15 hits, including seven for extra bases. After scoring three in the first, Westmont added two more in the third. Matthias, Pollex and Derke started off the inning with three triples in a row, resulting in one run scored and runners on first and second. Steven Pollex then doubled to left center, driving in his brother, Michael.
In the fifth inning, Derke produced a lead-off triple to center field and then scored on Steven Pollex’ singled to left center.
The final run of the game came in the sixth inning on another home run by Matthias, this one to right field.
Over the last two games, the Warrior line-up has delivered 20 hits, 12 of which have been for extra bases.
On Saturday, the two teams will continue their three-game series with a doubleheader. The start time has been changed to 10:30 a.m.
