IRVINE, Calif. - The Cougars opened their four-game series against the Concordia Golden Eagles at Eagles Field in Irvine. Despite the early lead, the Cougars could not contain a steady offensive push from Concordia, falling 4-8 in the first game and 6-11 in the second.
Game 1: Concordia 8, Azusa Pacific 4
The Cougars struck early, taking a commanding 4-0 lead over the Golden Eagles by the top of the third. The inning began with Jacob Freer and Mikey Easter reaching base via walks, setting the stage for a pivotal play. Antonio Lujan delivered a sharp hit to left field, which allowed Freer to score for the game's first run on an RBI single. The momentum continued as Jacob Hayes followed with a 3-RBI home run, clearing the bases and driving in Easter, Lujan, and himself. By the end of the third inning, the Cougars had built a 4-0 advantage. However, Concordia slowly crept back into the game, scoring two runs at the end of the inning.
On the mound, David Hays held control for six innings and achieved seven strikeouts, which put him on the All-Time Career Strikeouts at 5th place. Jake Vargas stepped in to relieve him in the bottom of the seventh. Matthew Brock stepped in for Vargas and pitched through the end of the seventh before Damian Pasillas came in to close the game at the bottom of the eighth.
It wasn't until the bottom of the 7th when the Golden Eagles scored again, with four additional runs to bring the score to 4-6. A series of singles through the eighth inning allowed Concordia to advance the scoreboard. The Eagles held the Cougars off, winning 8-4.
Game 2: Concordia 11, Azusa Pacific 6
The Cougars bounced back from a 0-2 deficit in the third inning, igniting a rally with an RBI single from Lujan that loaded the bases for Mikey Easter, Allan Camarillo, and Jacob Freer. Jacob Hayes followed with another single, driving in the Cougars' first run, and Elijah Cook kept the momentum going with a hit that advanced the runners. Diego Frey added to the offensive surge with a single that scored Cook, putting the Cougars ahead 4-2 as they closed the inning.
Despite the strong comeback, the Cougars' bullpen struggled to shut down Concordia's offense. In the fifth inning, the Golden Eagles erupted for eight runs, taking advantage of two pitching changes and a string of five hits. The Cougars mounted a late rally in the sixth, stringing together several hits, but could not close the gap. The 7-inning game ended with the Cougars falling short, 6-11.
Up Next: The Cougars will look to rebound on Saturday with another doubleheader at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM at the Cougar Baseball Complex.
