AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific pitching dominates as the Cougars pick up the doubleheader victories over Biola Friday afternoon at the Cougar Baseball Complex. The Cougars won both decisive games with a score of 6-1 in each.  

Game 1: Azusa Pacific 6, Biola 1

Isaac Mendez had a spectacular day on the mound, completing seven innings on four hits, one run, and striking out a season-high of nine in the first game.

The Cougars scored six runs in the game and got things going in the third inning with an RBI double from George Christison and groundout by O'Laughlin that plated another run. In the fifth inning, the Cougars were able to deliver another run with an RBI single once again from O'Laughlin to add to their lead.

Tido Robles and Cameron Lee both added insurance runs when they had back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the sixth to give the Cougars a commanding 5-1 lead. Azusa Pacific would tack on one more run in the eighth inning, while Andrew White threw two scoreless innings and striking out three in relief to secure the win.  

Game 2: Azusa Pacific 6, Biola 1

Azusa Pacific got out to a quick start when they erupted for five runs in the first inning. The Cougars rallied for three consecutive hits as Omar Lopez got things going delivering a 2 RBI double, then scored on a 2 RBI single from Will Stroud.

Lee later drove in Stroud with a double to extend the lead 5-0 after an inning of play. The Cougars would add one more run in the third inning when Stroud hit a RBI double adding to the lead.

That is all starting pitcher Brendan Dixon needed pitching five strong innings, allowing one run, and striking out three. Alfredo Frey came into the game for the Cougars and pitched an effective two innings of scoreless ball to cap off the doubleheader victories. 

By the Numbers: The Cougars pitching led by Isaac Mendez helped pace the pitching staff for the day of 16 innings, allowing only 2 runs, and striking out a total of 17 batters. Offensively, the Cougars finished 18-for-56 at the plate (.321) including seven extra base hits. Five different Cougars had multi-hit games while eight different Cougars were able to drive in at least one run. 

Up Next: The Cougars have taken the first two games of the four game series against Biola and look to win the series when they travel to La Mirada, Calif. tomorrow to play another non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. and if you cannot attend, you can watch HERE.