By Tim Peterson
(Azusa) – Azusa Pacific jumped out to 9-1 lead and then had to hold in the ninth inning to beat Westmont 11-9 Saturday at the Cougar Baseball Complex.
There were 20 runs, 22 hits and six home runs total in the contest which lasted almost 3 hours and 20 minutes. The Cougars hit four of the home runs including a three-run shot by Isaiah Rios in the third inning that got Azusa Pacific off and running.
The Cougars used four pitchers to finally finish off Westmont. Joel Tornero started and worked five and one-third innings to pick up the win. He allowed one run and seven hits while striking out seven. Chris Hernandez-Vides worked the eighth and started the ninth but Tyler Herges had to come on to get the last out of the ninth.
Azusa Pacific opened up a 4-0 lead in the third inning. Bryce Robinette walked, Jacob Freer singled and Rios rocked a three-run bomb. Blake Hagerty then followed with a solo shot to left field.
Westmont got a run in the fourth but APU came right back with four more in the bottom half. Robinette singled and Freer and Noah Lane both walked. Jacob Hayes singled to left to drive in two and after Rios walked, Hagerty singled for two more.
In the fifth inning Robinette homered to left and the Cougars were seemingly in cruise control leading 9-1.
The Warriors then began their push. Trailing 9-2 in the seventh inning Joey Rico belted one over the barrier in right field with two on and suddenly it was 9-5.
In the eighth Robinette picked up his third hit of the day with single to center and Freer unloaded a two-run shot to left field. Once again the Cougars had a comfortable lead at 11-5 but once again Westmont responded.
In the ninth Isaac Veal and Colin Callahan walked. Jaden Mingus then walked to load the bases. Zach Mora hit into a fielder’s choice to plate one run and then with two outs Grant Yzermans ripped a three-run home run to left field to get Westmont within two. Herges then came in to get the final out for APU.
Westmont used five pitchers with Rico taking the loss. He started and threw three innings and gave up four hits and four runs while walking three.
The Cougars improved to 4-8 by winning the first game of a doubleheader. Westmont fell to 4-2.
Note: Westmont beat Azusa Pacific 10-0 in the nightcap.
W 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 4 9–12-0
A 0 0 4 4 1 0 0 2 – 11–10-2
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