LOS ANGELES — Occidental secured a 12-9 victory over the University of La Verne on Friday, aided by an explosive eighth inning where it scored five runs.
Occidental took an early lead in the second inning when
Tyler Kubo was hit by a pitch and
Jackson Short homered to right field, driving in two runs. At the end of the second inning, the Tigers led 2-0.
La Verne evened the score in the third inning with a two-RBI single from Rj Libby. The score was tied 2-2 after three innings.
Occidental regained the lead in the fourth inning. Kubo walked, stole second, and scored on a
Nicholas Gonzalez single.
Thomas Munch doubled down the left field line, allowing Gonzalez to score on a fielding error. Occidental led 4-2 after four innings.
In the seventh inning, La Verne's Rj Libby hit a three-run homer to give the Leopards a lead, but Occidental responded.
Evann Smith and
Benjamin Fitzgerald both singled, and
Griffen Rogers walked to load the bases. Kubo's two-RBI single and Short's RBI single brought Occidental back into the game, tying it at 7-7 after seven innings.
Occidental broke the game open in the eighth inning. Fitzgerald and Smith scored on Fitzgerald's single up the middle. A throwing error and a bases-loaded walk allowed Occidental to add two more runs. A sacrifice fly by Kubo and an RBI single by
Anthony Sereno capped off a five-run inning. The Tigers led 12-7 after eight innings.
La Verne added two runs in the ninth inning, but Occidental held on to secure a 12-9 victory.
Lincoln Lyons pitched 7 innings, allowing 7 earned runs on 12 hits, including one home run, with 3 strikeouts and 1 walk on 113 pitches, 73 of which were strikes.
Malcolm Munnich entered in relief, throwing 1 2/3 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 4 hits, with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts over 43 pitches, 28 for strikes. Despite the challenges, Munnich maintained a balanced win-loss record of 2-2 after the game.
Short recorded three RBIs and hit a home run, leading the team offensively. Kubo added three RBIs and scored twice, contributing significantly to the scoring. Fitzgerald scored twice and drove in two runs, enhancing the team's offensive efforts. Gonzalez crossed the plate twice, showcasing his ability to get on base and score.
The Tigers will head to La Verne to wrap up the series tomorrow with a doubleheader with game times of 11am and 2:30pm.
