LINCOLN, Calif. – After splitting the first two games of a four-game series Friday, the Warriors returned to the field Saturday for another doubleheader against the Saint Katherine College Firebirds. Even after taking an early lead in game two, Jessup was unable to pick up a victory Saturday, as they dropped both games of the series finale (10-6, 10-4).

GAME ONE

Saint Katherine got out to a quick lead in game one Saturday, much like how they started the doubleheader on Friday. A run in the first, followed by a pair of runs both the second and fourth quickly put Jessup down 5-0. Second baseman Johnny Valdez was a key contributor to the Firebirds lead, as he went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a home run.

Justin Chase was one of the main pieces of Jessup's offense in game one, as the designated hitter went 2-for-2 with two doubles, three walks and an RBI. Chase's fifth inning double trimmed the lead to 6-4, but the Saint Katherine offense struck for four more runs over the late innings. Jessup scored two in the ninth before the final out was recorded.

Hayden Piner took the loss in the opener Saturday, as the freshman lasted four innings while allowing five runs on nine hits, walking one and striking out three. The Warriors' bullpen used four pitchers for a combined five innings of relief work.

GAME TWO

Jessup started game two on top, as they plated two runs in just the first inning. Shortstop Rory Petersen scored the first run on a wild pitch, and then it was right fielder Ben Knudsen who came across to score later in the inning on yet another wild pitch. The Firebirds scored three runs in the top of the second to steal the lead for good.

The Warriors pieced together just three hits in the game two loss, while runners reached base via walk 10 times. Jessup forced the Firebirds to go to the bullpen in the very first inning, but the Saint Katherine pitching staff would allow just two runs over 6.1 innings of relief.

Jessup used four pitchers of their own in game two. Jake Thompson earned the start, pitching two innings while allowing three runs on four hits with three walks. Thompson would be handed the loss.

Jessup will get back to the diamond in just a few short days, as they are set to host Menlo College on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at McBean Park in Lincoln. This will be the Warriors' second matchup with Menlo this season, with the Oaks taking the win last time, 14-4, on February 14.

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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) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).