LINCOLN, Calif. – The Warriors entered McBean Park with a clear vision on Friday: win to stay in. Needing to sweep the Mustangs this weekend in order to clinch a spot in the GSAC Tournament, Jessup saw their postseason bid come to an end as TMU dominated their way to a 23-13 victory.
Friday's victory ends any hope of a winning season for the Warriors, which snaps the five-year run of winning baseball in Lincoln. The loss also means for the first time ever, the GSAC Championship Game will not feature Jessup vs. Hope International.
TMU started the scoring in the top of the first as a grand slam put them ahead 4-0. The next batter made it 5-0, followed by 6-0 as the Mustangs hit back-to-back-to-back home runs.
The first inning saw the Mustangs plate 13 runs, five coming via the long ball. TMU's shortstop, Myles Henderson, had an inning to remember as he hit two homers in the first inning alone. But Henderson was not done, adding home runs in the seventh and ninth as he went 4-for-6 with four home runs and six RBI.
Rhys De Highden attempted to match Henderson, sending his first home run over the fence in the second. De Highden was at it again in the fourth, launching his second home run of the day as part of a 3-for-3 effort at the plate.
Jessup hit four home runs in the loss, with Chris Cook's 12th of the season coming in the third and
Jaisten Cabatbat leaving the yard in the ninth.
Trevor Arnston received the start for the Warriors, and it was a short one as he failed to record an out in the first inning.
Charlie Perkins then came in, allowing nine runs (two earned) on seven hits over two innings of work.
Adding a sense of calm to the Warriors was right-hander
Mason Azevedo as he entered the game to start the third, rifling off three consecutive scoreless innings. Azevedo ended up lasting five innings, allowing four runs on six hits with three punchouts.
For the Mustangs, Friday's victory is one to celebrate as it clinches them a trip to the GSAC Tournament. The five teams competing for a championship in Irvine are now known: Westmont, Hope International, Vanguard, The Master's, and Arizona Christian.
The Warriors will wrap up the regular season tomorrow, but first, they will honor nine graduating seniors. The annual senior day ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m.
First pitch of the final doubleheader will follow as the two teams will take the field at 11 a.m.
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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).
