AZUSA, Calif. – The Cougars came up just short in their Saturday doubleheader against Fresno Pacific University. Both games featured lively offenses in a consistent back-and-forth battle, but the Cougars ultimately fell short in each contest.
Game 1: Fresno Pacific 9, Azusa Pacific 8
Fresno Pacific struck early, plating two runs in the first inning on a two-RBI single to take the lead. The Sunbirds added two more runs in the fourth to build a 4-0 advantage. The Cougars responded in the bottom of the fourth with Isaiah Rios' solo home run, igniting a rally for the APU offense.
The Cougars continued to claw back in the fifth, using a pair of RBI plays from Tyler Preece and Isaiah Rios to tie the game at 4-4. Fresno Pacific regained the lead in the sixth, scoring on a passed ball. APU answered as Blake Hagerty brought home a run to trim the deficit to 6-5.
The Sunbirds scored three times in the eighth to extend their lead to 9-5. With time running out, APU wasn't finished. Trailing by four, the Cougars mounted a furious ninth-inning rally. Tyler Preece delivered a three-run homer to pull APU within one, making it a thrilling 9-8 contest.
Despite the late surge, Fresno Pacific closed it out to secure the narrow road victory at the Cougar Baseball Complex.
Game 2: Fresno Pacific 10, Azusa Pacific 3
Fresno Pacific got on the board in the top of the first inning when a sacrifice fly brought home a run for an early 1-0 lead.
APU responded in the bottom of the second with two home runs. Blake Hagerty opened the scoring with a solo shot down the left-field line, and Caleb Velo followed with a two-RBI homer to score himself and Bryce Robinette, putting the Cougars ahead 3-1.
From there, the Sunbirds' offense took control. In the third, Fresno Pacific plated two runs to tie the game, then erupted for four runs in the fourth to seize momentum. The Sunbirds pushed their lead to 7-3 by the end of the inning. FPU continued to add on two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to cap its 10-run performance. Aaron Martinez led the Sunbird attack with three hits and three RBIs, while Chris Clement added four hits and two runs scored.
Sunbird starter Dylan Senneway earned the win by limiting APU's offense after the second inning, allowing just four hits over five innings of work.
Despite the loss, Azusa Pacific (4-11) showed power early and will look to bounce back as conference play heats up.
Up Next:
The Cougars will host the Vanguard Lions on Wednesday, February 25, at the Cougar Baseball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
