LINCOLN, Calif. – It was a great day to be a hitter on Tuesday as the McBean Park wind was blowing out to center field at full strength. On a day where the score line better resembled one seen on a football field, Jessup's designated hitter made history as the Warriors ended the preseason with a 20-15 victory over Simpson.
The story of Tuesday's win can be told by one man,
Rhys De Highden. Batting fifth as Jessup's DH, De Highden personally rewrote the record book by going 4-for-4 with three home runs, six RBI, five runs, and 13 total bases.
Before Tuesday, a Jessup player had hit two home runs in a game 25 times but never three. De Highden also broke the total bases record, which previously sat at 11. He tied the program record for RBI and runs in a game and finished one hit shy of tying the hit record as he was walked twice.
Head coach
Trevor Paine said of De Highden's day, "He had a really special day that he'll remember for a long time. Even though he hasn't gotten off to the start that he wanted to after such a great fall, he's continued to work hard. The one thing you can never question with Rhys is just the work he puts in, so I knew that he was ready for this opportunity today."
De Highden hit his first home run of the day, a two-run shot, in the second inning. He left the yard again in the thing, another two-run shot, which was part of a seven-run inning. The third blast came on a solo shot in the fifth.
Jessup started their scoring early, batting around in the first inning as they posted a five spot in the opening frame. In fact, 14 of Jessup's 20 runs came in the first three innings.
Two other Warriors having huge days at the dish were infielders
Kayde Iranon and
Noah Takayama. Iranon blasted his first home run of the season as part of a 2-for-5 day with four RBI. Takayama pieced together a 4-for-5 day, driving in a pair of runs.
Jessup would total 17 hits in the ballgame, as seven different players found the hit column.
On seeing the production up and down the lineup, Paine added, "I think one of the strengths we have is our depth, and, you know, for these midweek games, it's an opportunity to get some guys some Abs that maybe haven't necessarily got them."
The Warriors also looked to multiple arms as Jessup trotted out five pitchers to complete the nine-inning affair.
Jason Riviello earned his first victory after 1.2 innings in relief.
Charlie Perkins recorded the final four outs and earned his first save at Jessup.
Jessup now shifts their focus to more important matters as GSAC baseball awaits them over the weekend.
On starting the conference schedule, Paine noted, "I think we are all on the same page with what we need to do to continue to keep doing, and things we can improve on and do better. I think we're ready, but I am always curious to see how the boys respond to getting on the road and everything that comes with getting on a bus and getting into a hotel and seeing a different field."
"I think we're as ready as ever, and if we just come out and play good clean baseball, I like our chances."
Friday will be Jessup's first taste of road baseball as they have completed a ten-game homestand. The Warriors will visit San Diego Christian for a four-game series where only three counts towards their conference record.
The Warriors return to McBean Park on February 24 when they host OUAZ.
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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 Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).
