AZUSA, CALIF. -- Azusa Pacific tallied 7 runs in the first two innings and extended its current winning streak to 5 with a 9-3 non-conference victory over Claremont-Mudd, Tuesday afternoon in Azusa. Junior designated hitter John Knott (Covina, CA/Gladstone HS) capped a 5-run 2nd inning with his 3rd home run of the season, a two-run shot, as the Cougars jumped on Stags starting pitcher Sean Smith to put the game out of reach early.
The Cougar bats wasted little time in getting on the board, as junior Karel Castro's two-run single scored Gabe Miranda and Justin Duarte to make it 2-0 after the 1st inning. Singles by Matt Lewallen and Ramon Ricabal, along with a sacrifice by Miranda, all knocked in runs to keep things going in the second, setting the table for Knott. He finished 1-for-4 with the home run and 3 RBIs. Ricabal led a host of Cougars with 2 hits, pounding out 2 doubles, scoring twice and knocking in a run.
Mike Kleckner earned his first victory of the season, pitching 5 scoreless innings, giving up only 4 hits and striking out 5. Rick Ackerman and Joel Sanchez each pitched two innings to finish things up for the Cougars.
Claremont-Mudd was led by Todd Hasson, who went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Steve Uejio was also 1-for-3 with a solo home run in the 6th inning.
Azusa Pacific improved its mark to 24-7 and will return to the diamond tomorrow at Westmont College for a key GSAC matchup at 3 p.m.
