AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific closed out the 2026 season with a doubleheader split against Fresno Pacific on Tuesday at the Cougar Baseball Complex, earning an 8–6 win in game one before falling 3–1 in the finale.
The Cougars (26–30, 23–21 PacWest) showcased both power and pitching milestones on the day, highlighted by a historic achievement from senior right-hander Joel Tornero.
Game One – Azusa Pacific 8, Fresno Pacific 6
Azusa Pacific used a decisive seventh inning to pull away and secure the win in the opener.
After taking a 4–0 lead through five innings behind solo home runs from Diego Orozco and Isaiah Rios, the Cougars saw Fresno Pacific rally to tie the game at 4–4 in the seventh.
That's when APU delivered its biggest swing of the day.
With the bases loaded, Bryce Robinette launched a grand slam to right center, capping a four-run inning and putting the Cougars back in front 8–4. Robinette finished with six RBIs on the day, leading a nine-hit offensive effort .
On the mound, Tornero set the tone early, tossing five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. His sixth strikeout of the game marked a major milestone, making him the first Cougar pitcher to reach 100 strikeouts in a single season since Josh Staumont in 2015.
Tyler Herges earned the win in relief, while Matthew Brock recorded the save to secure the 8–6 victory.
Game Two – Fresno Pacific 3, Azusa Pacific 1
The nightcap shifted into a pitcher's duel, with Fresno Pacific capitalizing on limited opportunities to earn the split.
The Sunbirds struck first in the second inning on a two-RBI double from Bodhi Verners, taking a 2–0 lead. They added an insurance run in the sixth on an RBI single from Gabe Henderson to extend the lead to 3–1.
Azusa Pacific's lone run came in the fifth inning when Bryce Robinette delivered a solo home run to left center. The Cougars finished with nine hits but were unable to string together timely offense, stranding multiple runners in scoring position throughout the game .
Blake Hagerty took the loss in the start, while the bullpen, including Casey Spencer and Cameron Kessel, combined for strong relief efforts to keep APU within reach.
Despite the split, the day was highlighted by Tornero's milestone and a strong offensive showing in game one, as Azusa Pacific closed its season competing to the final out.
