The University of La Verne earned a doubleheader split with the University of Redlands on Saturday, taking the first game 5-4 before suffering a 4-2 defeat in the nightcap in SCIAC action at Ben Hines Field.

After falling 7-2 to the Bulldogs on Friday, La Verne (3-5, 1-3 SCIAC) enjoyed a win in its 2010 home opener as the squad came from behind to top the Bulldogs in the first game of the twinbill.  The Leopards overcame a 4-2 deficit by plating a run in the sixth and two runs in the seventh to earn the win.

An RBI single from Sergio Munoz in the sixth inning scored Jon-Michael Hattabaugh to pull La Verne within a run at 4-3.  In the seventh, Jason Moralez singled and was lifted for pinch runner Dylan Leong, who came around to score on a two-out Zach Canfield single to knot the game at 4-4.  Canfield stole second and moved to third base on consecutive walks.  A bases loaded balk call scored Canfield with the eventual game-winning run.

Anthony Cerafice pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth innings in relief to earn the win while David Contreras got the save after retiring the Bulldogs in order in the ninth.

The Leopards trailed 2-0 in the second inning when Mike Surina belted a 2-run homer to tie the contest at 2-2.  The Bulldogs added a run in both the fifth and sixth innings to take a 4-2 advantage.

Starter Tim Jolly struck out six batters while Cerafice struck out three in two innings pitched. Hattabaugh went 2-3 at the plate while Surina was 2-4 with 2 RBI. 

The Bulldogs (6-2, 4-2 SCIAC) took a 4-0 lead in the second game and eventually held on for the 4-2 victory over the Leopards to salvage a doubleheader split.  Redlands was aided by four Leopard errors.

In the sixth, Aaron Coopman led off with a double and Jason Munoz followed with a single.  Hattabaugh hit a 2-run double to plate both Coopman and Munoz to slice the deficit to 4-2.  A Victor Peinado single put runners on first and third with no one out.  Redlands held its lead as the next two batters struck out and Hattabaugh was caught stealing.

Redlands starter Derrick Johnson struck out nine to earn the win.

La Verne continues league action next weekend as it begins a three-game series at Whittier on Friday followed by a home doubleheader with the Poets on Saturday at Ben Hines Field.