By Jimmy Dent

02/04/05

VU steals victory for double header split

Costa Mesa, Calif - Although the sun was shinning bright all day long in Costa Mesa, the Lions waited until dusk to steal a tenth-inning victory to salvage a split in the afternoon double header. A wild pitch from Hawks’ relief pitcher John Brose, brought home VU’s shortstop Aaron Barret from third base to seal the win, 1-0. The shutout brought energy to the home dugout after dropping the first game, 5-3.

In game one, Vanguard’s starting pitcher Andrew Riddle could only last 2 1/3 innings after allowing one earned and two unearned runs on three hits. Riddle’s 2005 debut was cut short as he was relieved by senior Brent Erickson (0-1) in the third inning. Erickson got the Lions out of a jam, getting Hawks’ second baseman Scott Anderson to ground out and outfielder Mark Flaig to strike out. Viterbo took a 3-1 lead into the bottom half of the fifth inning but was stunned when VU scored two runs, on four walks and a sacrifice fly by Nik Crouch. After a poor defensive inning, Viterbo kept their composure, scoring two more runs in the sixth. Chris Kuhl led off with a single up the middle advancing to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Flaig. Hawks’ shortstop Josh Heiney ripped a ball between third and short that looked like it was going through the hole. Barret made a stellar play but was unable to get the runner who advanced to third. With runners on first and third, Heiney stole second, allowing both runners to score on a single into center field by Dustin Warner. The visting club took a 5-3 lead and held on to give the Lions their second loss of the season.

It took ten innings to decide a winner in game two after both teams were held scoreless through nine. With runners on first and third, Brose threw a wild pitch to Luke Iverson, allowing Barret to slide home for the victory. Junior pitcher Clay Brown earned the start in game two, throwing five complete shutout innings but received no decision. Reliever Mike Sparks (1-0) came in to pitch in the tenth, earning his first victory.

The long day came to an end as the sun went below the horizon, and the Lions had one victory wrapped up. Anthony Dowler (1-0) earned the win for the Hawks in game one, while Brent Erickson was handed the loss. Crouch was Vanguard’s only offensive threat going 1-3 with a solo homerun and 2 RBI’s. The Lions’ bats were quiet all day only producing eight hits in seventeen innings, but will cherish the victory and take the momentum into tomorrow’s game at U.C. San Diego. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in San Diego, California.