AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific settled for a split with Hawai'i Pacific in its doubleheader on Friday. The Cougars lit up the scoreboard in the opening game, taking a 13-6 victory, but the Sharks responded in game two, coming back from a four-run deficit to defeat the Cougars 6-5.

Game One: Hawai'i Pacific 6, Azusa Pacific 13

The Cougars wasted no time setting the tone, plating a run in the first inning before breaking the game open with a five-run second inning. The Sharks clawed their way back into the game in the fourth, responding with six runs of their own, including a grand slam. Azusa Pacific responded with two runs in the fifth and a five-run sixth, putting the game out of reach for Hawai'i Pacific. 

Offensively, Mikey Easter led the Cougars with four hits, including a double, and three runs scored, while Jacob Hayes connected for a home run, driving in two runs and crossing the plate three times. Dominic Martinez added two hits and two RBIs, while Elijah Cook came through with a triple and two RBIs of his own. Elijah Morgan delivered a two-run double, and Jacob Freer added an RBI triple as part of the Cougars' offensive explosion.

On the mound, starter David Hays and relievers Gabe Jacobs and Joel Tornero combined for 10 strikeouts over seven innings, with Tornero registering five of them.

Game Two: Hawai'i Pacific 6, Azusa Pacific 5

The Cougars controlled the game early, scoring a run in the second inning and adding another in the third to build a lead. They continued to chip away offensively, tacking on one run in the fifth and sixth innings including a solo home run from Mikey Easter, while keeping the Sharks scoreless through six frames.

However, the game took a dramatic turn late in the game, as Hawai'i Pacific erupted in the seventh, scoring six runs to stun the Cougars 6-4. Azusa Pacific had just one opportunity left after the Sharks' scoring frenzy. A double from Jacob Freer, followed by a single from Danny Yanez was enough to put wind in the Cougars' sails, as they came back within one run, but a ground out to third base called game, leaving the tying run left on first.

Offensively, the Cougars registered 10 hits, highlighted by one home run and five RBIs. Jacob Hayes and Dominic Martinez contributed key doubles, while Elijah Cook and Elijah Morgan each added RBIs to keep Azusa Pacific ahead for most of the game.

Up Next: Both squads have a quick turnaround as they go at it again Saturday, Feb. 22 for the final matchup of the four-game series. First pitch is at 11:00 AM.