Playing in a huge four-game road set against their biggest rivals, Azusa Pacific rebounded from an early deficit to post a 6-4 victory against California Baptist on Thursday evening.

With just a few weeks left in the seasons and teams fighting for positioning in the conference standings as well as the regional rankings, Azusa Pacific (26-13, 16-9 PacWest) can make a major statement against the Lancers. Heading into the four-game weekend set California Baptist (23-16, 15-6) sits above the Cougars in the league standings just a few days before the first NCAA West Region ranking are published. The region is comprised of school from the PacWest, CCAA and GNAC with the top six teams in region qualifying for the NCAA West Region tournament.

In Thursday's win, Cougars starting pitcher Josh Staumont went 7.0 innings where he struck out 12 batters and allowed just five hits. 

At the plate Jordan Brower returned to the line-up by recording a team high two hits in his four at-bats. The senior smashed a big late-inning two-out, two-run homerun to centerfield. Blake James also went 2-for-4 at the dish. He also hit a big fly to centerfield with a first inning homerun.

After two innings the Lancers held a 3-1 lead before the Cougars began to inch back into the game. Mitch Dergazarian scored Azusa Pacific's second run when he took advantage of error by the right fielder in the third inning.

During the middle innings the starting pitchers took over. In addition to Staumont outstanding effort, Lancer starting pitcher Adam Hofacket struck out 10 while going 8.0 innings on the bump. He gave up five runs; three of them were earned.

Azusa Pacific tied the score in the sixth inning when Daniel Martin scored on groundout to second base. Martin's run was also unearned because of a throwing error by Hofacket.

Brower's homerun gave the Cougars their first lead since James' first inning homerun. Jonny Reid relieved Staumont and kept Azusa Pacific's 5-3 in tact by pitching a perfect eighth inning where he struck out two.

The Cougars scored their final run when Brian Magana hit a double down the left field line to score Michael Staudinger. 

California Baptist posted a serious threat against Cougar closer Josh Grajeda. After getting two quick outs, the Lancers were able to load the bases with two outs. After scoring one run on a Zack Norris RBI single, Grajeda got the final out with an Andy Crowley ground out back to the pitcher.

Game two of the set is Friday night at 6 p.m. in Riverside with the final two games on Saturday.