BELTON, TX — The University of La Verne baseball team lost a heartbreaker in game two of the three game series against the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Despite taking the lead in the top half of the ninth, the Crusaders offense scored three in the bottom half to walk it off 9-8.

Ryan Vosika finished with a hit and scored twice, while Aidan Salcedo added a hit, scored one run and drove in another. Nathan Perry had an efficient day with a hit, three runs and an RBI. Alek Baustista also contributed with a hit and drove in two runs to support the team's scoring effort.

The scoring started in the second inning when Perry was hit by a pitch and later came around to score on an RBI double to right field by Bautista.

In the third inning, Jacob Castro reached first on an error and Vosika followed with a single to right field. After RJ Libby was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Aidan Salcedo was also hit by a pitch, forcing in Castro for a run. Aaron Whobrey then lifted a fly ball to center that allowed Vosika to tag up and score.

The offense added another run in the sixth inning when Perry doubled to left field and later scored on a ground out by Bautista.

In the seventh inning, Adan Garcia singled to left field and came around on an RBI single by Libby. Ryan Vosika, who had reached base on an error, also crossed home on a sacrifice fly to center field by Perry.

The final runs came in the ninth inning when Salcedo doubled to center field and Nate Perry drew a walk. Isaiah Figueroa followed with a single to left field, bringing home both runners to cap the scoring.

Andrew Wente started on the mound and pitched 3.0 innings, allowing two hits and three runs, with two of those runs earned. He recorded four strikeouts during his outing. Rudy O'dell followed with 2.0 innings of relief, giving up three hits and two runs, though neither run was charged to him. 

Zenen Peña made a brief appearance, working 0.2 innings in relief, and was then followed by Nico Hamilton who tossed 1.2 innings, allowing two hits and one earned run, while adding one punchout. 

Aaron Whobrey closed out the pitching effort, throwing 1.1 innings. He allowed five hits and three earned runs, while striking out three batters. He picks up the loss and moves to 0-2 on the year.