ROCKLIN, Calif. – William Jessup University's baseball team (3-31, 3-21) traveled to GSAC opponent No. 11 Vanguard (34-9-1, 19-5) over the weekend where they put up a significant fight but ultimately fall in each of the three games.
GAME 1
Jessup's baseball team played a truly brilliant game in the near upset over #11 Vanguard University in the first game of the series on Friday afternoon. Sam Anderson (Roseville, CA) got the call as the starting pitcher for the game and would go 5.1 innings allowing three runs on as many hits while striking out two and walking one.
Nobody was able to produce a run until the fifth inning when Vanguard scored in the bottom half of the inning on a double, sacrifice bunt and ground out RBI.
The Warriors would not cede, taking the lead from the Lions in the top of the sixth inning. Steven Stockton (Stockton, CA) hit an infield single to lead off and advanced to second when teammate Dayton Kurian (Las Vegas, NV) singled through the middle of the infield. Steven Otaguro (Concord, CA) hit a well-placed bunt to advance the two runners into scoring position.
Ben Knudsen (Rancho Cordova, CA) hit a sacrifice ball of his own in the form of a sacrifice fly to center field allowing Stockton to tag up before completing his trip around the bases after the catch. Kyle Robinson (Modesto, CA) then gave Jessup the one-run lead with an infield RBI single.
Despite the lead, Vanguard would eventually be the final team to score in the game as they proceeded to produce two runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth to take the 3-2 win. The Lion's starting pitcher Sean Isaac received credit for the win after pitching eight innings allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out seven.
GAME 2
The series' second game opened up doubleheader play late Saturday morning and the game turned into a bit of a slugfest. William Jessup played toe-to-toe with the Lions through the first several innings before Vanguard eventually managed to pull away to a 10-5 victory.
William Jessup plated the day's first run in the first inning. Stockton reached first on a shortstop error and stole his way to both second and then third base. Joshua Duitsman (Bakersfield, CA) brought Stockton home with a sacrifice fly deep into left field, giving Jessup a 1-0 lead. Vanguard matched Jessup's scoring efforts in the bottom of the first bringing the game back to level.
The Warriors looked to break the game open in the top of the second inning. Zach Sween (Roseville, CA) opened up the inning with a base hit, advancing to second on an errant throw and to third with a stolen base. Zach Clement (San Diego, CA) brought Sween home with a base hit through the middle of the infield.
Stockton reached on another error in right field and made it to second while Clement finished his trek home. Otaguro would complete the inning's run production with a base hit RBI into centerfield and Jessup found themselves with an early 4-1 lead.
Vanguard again mustered an equalizing answer with a three-run inning of their own in the bottom of the second. After that, the Lions made their move to start pulling away from the Warriors. Vanguard plated two runs in the bottom of the third and another in the fourth.
Jessup worked on a comeback in the eighth when Kurian was batted in by a beautiful center field double from Otaguro. Vanguard was motivated once more; however, scoring three in the bottom of the same inning and putting the game out of reach for Jessup, sealing a 10-5 victory.
Cameron Morrow started on the mound for the Warriors and pitched 3.1 innings in the loss. Morrow allowed four earned runs on seven hits striking out two. Calvin Bonilla pitched a solid four innings in relief, allowing one earned run on four hits and striking out four. The win went to Vanguard starting pitcher Ryan Heinle who threw five innings allowing four runs on four hits while striking out three.
GAME 3
The Warriors had a solid defensive game in the final meeting between the two teams but so did Vanguard as the Lions edged out Jessup once more, 3-0.
Vanguard scored in the bottom of the first and plated an additional two runs in the third on a two-run home run to grab their three runs.
The Warriors recorded four hits and left six runners on base throughout the game, including runners on third base in both the sixth and seventh innings. Despite their moves toward a late comeback, they were never quite able to bring a runner all the way around the bases.
Phillip Chavez received the loss for the Warriors pitching a great game for all six innings. Chavez allowed one earned run on six hits and struck out two Vanguard batters. Tyler Steele got the win for Vanguard pitching seven innings allowing no runs on four hits and striking out four.
The Warriors will have one final series this weekend at home, hosting Menlo College for the three-game series scheduled to be held at American River College. Friday's game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. under the lights. Senior Day festivities will be held before the 11 a.m. doubleheader on Saturday.
***
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).
