CORONA, Calif. –  After taking on Arizona Christian for a conference game on Thursday, the Warriors traveled to the Anaheim area on Friday to begin a three-game series against the Bethesda University of California. Even with an eight-run inning, the Warriors were unable to pull out the victory as they dropped the series opener 16-11.

A key contributor to the Jessup offense Friday afternoon was shortstop Rory Petersen. Petersen went 3-for-6 on the day, driving in a game high four RBIs while scoring two runs as well. A double down the left field line drove in a run in the fifth, and then Peterson doubled in the seventh with the bases loaded, driving in three.

The Warriors pieced together an incredible rally in the seventh, in which they scored eight runs on six hits. Sam Curtis started the scoring with a two-run homer to left, driving in Petersen in the process. Jessup would send 13 batters to the plate in the inning, with Petersen and Justin Chase each recording two hits in the frame.

Jessup's rally cut into a Bethesda lead that sat at 12-2 entering the seventh. Bethesda scored two runs in the second inning to take an early lead, and then a six run third inning placed them ahead by eight. Jessup would also allow four runs in the sixth, a run in the seventh, and then three more runs in the eighth to give them the 16-11 advantage.

Calvin Bonilla got the starting nod for the Warriors, as he pitched 2.2 innings while allowing eight runs, while just three of which were earned. Bonilla allowed nine hits while walking and striking out one. Jacob Wilson, Jake Thompson, and Mikey Saldana combined for 5.1 innings of relief.

Earning the win for Bethesda was Si Mai Kelu, who three five innings while allowing just two runs on five hits. DJ Gunderson pitched the final two innings of the game in relief, striking out two while allowing no hits to earn the save.

GAME ONE SATURDAY

The series continued on Saturday as both Jessup and Bethesda took part in a doubleheader. Bethesda relied on two big innings offensively to power their way to victory, as they took the second game of the series by the final of 16-3. Hayden Piner took the loss, tossing just two innings in a starting role. Benjamin Lop earned the victory, allowing one run over five innings.

Bethesda scored five run in the second inning thanks to three RBI singled as well as a two RBI double down the right field line. A nine run seventh inning put the game out of reach, with the biggest blow of the day being a grand slam hit by Daniel Gutie. Jessup saw their runs come via an RBI single from Ben Knudsen in the fourth, and then a two-run double by Knudsen in the ninth.

GAME TWO SATURDAY

Saturday's finale saw the Warriors jump out to an early lead as they looked to take one game in the series, but again Bethesda pieced together some big innings to steal the final game 14-5. It was Manuel Velasquez who took the loss, allowing 10 runs (7 earned) over 3.2 innings of relief work. Ryan Olley earned the victory, tossing six innings while allowing five runs on 13 hits.

Jessup got out to a 4-0 lead to start, thanks to a four-run first inning in which Justin Chase, Javier Garcia, Dakota Spillers, and Garrett Case all drove in runs with RBI singles. Bethesda tacked on three in the second to cut the lead to just one, but five-run innings in both the third and fifth innings put the Warriors behind big. Garcia homered in the seventh, a solo shot, for Jessup's final run.

The Warriors take on Westmont College this weekend for yet another three-game series on the road. The series kicks off with a double header on Friday April 7, with first pitch slated for 11:00 a.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) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).