AZUSA, CA — In a highly anticipated top-10 matchup, the No. 2 University of La Verne baseball team saw its 16-game winning streak come to an end on Friday afternoon, falling 9-4 to No. 10 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Azusa Pacific University. Despite what the final score may suggest, the game remained tightly contested until the final innings, with La Verne outhitting CMS 9-6 but struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Senior pitcher Matthew Desmarets turned in a strong performance, allowing just one hit over 6.1 innings while striking out nine. However, control issues proved costly as he walked six batters, leading to three earned runs. Despite his dominance on the mound, La Verne was unable to maintain its early lead.
The Leopards (18-2) struck first, taking a 1-0 advantage in the opening inning on an RBI single from Noah Garcia. After CMS tied the game in the third, La Verne reclaimed the lead in the fifth when Nate Perry's RBI single and a defensive miscue put them ahead 3-2. The Stags responded immediately with a solo home run from Nick Seluga in the bottom half of the inning to even the score again.
The game remained deadlocked until the bottom of the eighth, when Claremont-Mudd-Scripps capitalized on a late offensive surge. A two-run homer from Anthony Mazzone broke the tie, followed by a three-run double from Ben Heher as part of a six-run explosion that ultimately sealed the game for CMS.
La Verne attempted a rally in the ninth, loading the bases with one out. Garcia drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, but the comeback bid fell short as CMS secured the 9-4 win.
Ryan Vosika paced the Leopards' offense with a stellar three-hit performance, including a double, while Nate Perry also tallied three hits, including a double and an RBI. Noah Garcia contributed two RBIs, but despite out hitting the Stags, La Verne struggled to capitalize on key scoring opportunities, leaving 10 runners stranded on base.
The Leopards will look to bounce back as they continue their SCIAC series against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in a Saturday doubleheader, with first pitch set for 11 AM at Ben Hines Field.
