ROCKLIN, Calif. – After dropping the series opener Friday night, the Warriors took the field once more on Saturday for a GSAC doubleheader against No. 22 Vanguard University. The Warriors were plagued with errors in both sides of the double-feature, playing a large part in the two losses that ended a three game sweep.
GAME 1
The Warriors got off to a rocky start on an otherwise beautiful afternoon on Saturday. Vanguard came out with a fire in their bats, putting six runs across the plate before Jessup managed to grab their first out. The day wouldn't improve much as No. 22 Vanguard defeated Jessup 15-4.
Jessup battled to mount a comeback throughout the day. In the second inning, sophomore Ben Knudsen (Rancho Cordova, CA) was the first Warrior to cross home plate after knocking a double down the left field line before later advancing home on a wild pitch. Freshman Joshua Duitsman (Bakersfield, CA) also scored in the second from a RBI single by sophomore Drew Valdez (Duarte, CA).
Jessup put another two runs in at the trail end of the game, in the bottom of the ninth. In all, Jessup scored their four runs on 12 hits and two errors. Vanguard scored their 15 runs on 22 hits, and were aided by 6 Jessup errors. Sophomore Zach Ricciardi (Chino Hills, CA) received the loss for William Jessup allowing six earned runs while Ryan Heinle received the win for Vanguard allowing two runs (one earned) in five innings.
GAME 2
Game two started much like that of game one, as Vanguard struck very fast with a four-run first inning. Senior Phillip Chavez (Vacaville, CA), who got the start in game two, settled down quickly but was forced to leave the game in the third after being struck in the back by a line drive. He would receive the loss, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits.
Jessup's bats looked like they were going to be of use in game two, as they too got on the board in the opening inning thanks to a two out single by sophomore Nathan Torres (Monterey Park, CA). The run would be all the Warriors would get in the final game of this series, as they totaled just 4 hits on the day.
The Lions would break the game wide open in the fourth inning, when they sent 12 men to the plate, scoring 7 runs on 7 hits. The Warriors did not help themselves out either, as they committed three of their five errors in the fourth inning. The Lions would take the game 11-1, but just six of the 11 runs would be earned.
Tyler Steele received the win for Vanguard, tossing 4 innings while allowing just one run on 4 hits, walking three and striking out one. The Vanguard bullpen was absolutely lights out, as three pitchers combined to throw 3 innings of shutout relief with 5 strikeouts and just one hit.
The two losses Saturday drop Jessup's record down to 0-9 on the young 2016 season. Play will continue on Friday, Feb. 19, as the Warriors travel to Arizona for game one of a three game series against Arizona Christian. First pitch Friday is set for 2:00 p.m.
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William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook), @WJUSports (Twitter), and @JessupAthletics (Instagram, and Snapchat).
