LA VERNE, CA — The No. 7 ranked University of La Verne baseball team completed the sweep against the Chapman University Panthers on Saturday afternoon. They secured game one by a final of 15-2. They followed that with a 14-2 victory in the second game of the doubleheader.

The Leopards have won five of their last six via the seven-inning run rule. Over that stretch, they have compiled 89 runs, 103 hits, and a team ERA of 1.64.

Game Summary

In Game 1, the Leopards started their scoring early with two runs in the first, and seven coming in the bottom of the second. The Panthers were able to keep the Leos off the board in the third, but the fourth and fifth innings saw three runs in each frame for La Verne. Chapman was able to score two of their own in the sixth, but the leopards were able to close the door in the seventh, picking up a 15-2 victory.

Game 2 saw more of the same with the Leos scratching four runs across in the first inning. They picked up one in the third to take a five-run lead into the fourth. Chapman pushed a run across in the top half, but La Verne answered with four more. Five more runs in the sixth extended the lead, and the Leos closed out another victory in seven innings by a final of 14-2.

Key Players

Game 1 of the doubleheader saw some key contributions from the Leopard bats. Ryan Vosika led the way with two hits, three runs, and three RBIs. Matt Rice also had a strong performance, collecting a hit, three RBIs, and two runs. Logan Reese and Benny Vogel were also key performers. They combined for four hits, one RBI, and four runs. The Leos' pitching staff also looked stellar. Ethan Galindo started and pitched five innings, giving up only three hits without allowing a run. He earned the victory and moved to 8-1 on the year. Gabriel Lucero and Kyle Noell each pitched an inning of relief to close out the game. Noell struck out the side in the seventh to secure the victory for the Leos.

Game 2 saw similar top performers in Rice, Garcia, and Vogel. They combined for seven hits, three RBIs, and five runs. Logan Corthell and Nolan Anguiano also had a bug game. Corthell went two for three with a run and two RBIs. Anguiano collected two hits and also had an RBI and a run to his name. The pitching was once again strong for La Verne. Southpaw Justin Ries made his first collegiate start, tossing five innings of one-run baseball. He allowed just three hits while striking out five. Garret Halbeison pitched two scoreless innings to secure the sweep.

Season Impact

The Leopards' sweep improves their record to 29-6 overall and 17-4 in conference play. They also move into sole possession of first place as they continue to work towards hosting the SCIAC tournament.

Next Game

The Leopards' next game is Tuesday at Ben Hines Field with first pitch set for 3:30 p.m. They will welcome the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens in a non-conference matchup.