LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne baseball team delivered a strong all-around performance in a 5–1 victory over Whitworth on Friday afternoon at Ben Hines Field to open the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament. With this win, La Verne stays in the winner's bracket and moves one step closer to advancing out of regional play.
La Verne set the tone early, scoring in each of the first two innings and adding a pair in the fourth to build a 5–0 lead through four. Junior catcher Nate Perry led the charge at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs, including a sacrifice fly in the fourth and a run-scoring single in the first. Ryan Vosika and Benny Vogel each added two hits, while junior Aidan Salcedo doubled and scored twice to provide additional sparks offensively.
On the mound, Ethan Galindo turned in another clutch postseason outing, improving to 9-1 on the year. The Senior left-hander tossed five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits and striking out five with just one walk. The bullpen trio of Gabriel Lucero, Garrett Halbeisen, and Justin Ries combined for four shutout innings to close out the game.
La Verne's defense was sharp, turning four double plays to help stymie multiple Whitworth threats and keep the Pirates at bay. The Leopards out-hit Whitworth 11–6 and executed in key moments, stranding just one runner over the final four innings.
With the win, the Leopards improve to 35-9 and remain in the winner's bracket, where they will take on McMurry University tomorrow, Saturday, May 17, at 12 PM. Whitworth will look to keep its postseason hopes alive in an elimination matchup against Pomona-Pitzer earlier that morning at 8:30 AM. Both games will be held at Ben Hines Field. Fans can catch all of Saturday's NCAA Division III Regional action by visiting NCAA.com for live coverage and tournament updates.
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