AZUSA, CALIF. -- Senior starting pitcher David Doyle yielded only 2-unearned runs in pitching a complete-game 4-hitter as Azusa Pacific closed the gap at the top of the GSAC to one game, knocking off front-runner Biola Friday afternoon, 4-2.
Biola started the scoring with two in the top half of the second inning when Cougar centerfielder Gabe Miranda dropped a fly ball, allowing Ben Orr and Rand Wagner to touch the plate. However, Doyle would go on to retire 15 of the final 16 batters he faced to silence the Eagles' bats.
In the bottom half of the inning, Azusa Pacific loaded the bases with no outs, but could only muster one run when John Knott scored on a fielder's choice from Karel Castro. The Cougars tied the game in the bottom of the third when Matt Lewallen scored on a Ben Orr wild pitch. Another wild pitch in the bottom of the fifth allowed Miranda and Bobby Sanchez each to move up 90 feet, setting the stage for Justin Duarte to single on a 3-2, two-out pitch, bringing in both runners and putting the game out of reach.
Knott was 2-for-3 with a run scored to lead the Cougars, while Duarte was 1-for-3 with the game-winning RBIs. Eagles shortstop Rand Wagner went 2-for-3 with a run scored, along with a 2-for-3 effort from Brett Campbell.
Doyle upped his mark to 7-1, striking out 3 and allowing only 2 walks and the 2 unearned runs in notching his third complete game of the season. Orr took the loss for the Eagles, who had beaten the Cougars twice previously heading into today's matchup.
Azusa Pacific kept it's GSAC title hopes alive, improving to 14-6 in conference play and 26-8 overall. Biola fell to 15-5 in the GSAC, 28-13 overall. The Cougars travel to Cal Baptist on Saturday for a 12 p.m. doubleheader, while the Eagles host Point Loma Nazarene.
