The Leopards nearly rallied back from a four-run deficit against the Kingsmen, but dropped the series opener in a 4-3 final at Ben Hines Field Friday afternoon.

Both teams tallied 10 hits during the contest, but La Verne left 11 runners stranded compared to Cal Lutheran's 7.  The Kingsmen struck out more times than the Leopards (7-5), but La Verne committed two critical errors in the game-changing fourth inning.

Cal Lutheran University started a four-run fourth inning after Paul Hartmann, Brandyn Delgado, and K.C. Judge scored.  A close call at home plate was ruled in favor of the Kingsmen, as Richard Michelin scored what would be the winning run for Cal Lu.

La Verne made a run of its own, as senior Jon-Michael Hattabaugh kicked off a three-run fifth inning with a solo shot over the right field fence.  Joe Buckley hit a two-out single to right and teammate Kevin Ibarra drove him in with a home run of his own.  

Mike Surina was robbed of a lead-off home run in the bottom of the seventh by Delgado, who reached over the left field fence to preserve the one-run lead.

Robbie Selden pitched seven quality innings for Cal Lutheran, and Ian Durham allowed one hit and one walk in two innings of work to seal a 4-3 victory for the Kingsmen.

Hattabaugh went 3-5 at the plate with one run and a RBI, and Ibarra finished the game 2-4 with two RBIs and a run.

Middle reliever Anthony Cerafice did his part for the Leopards on the mound, allowing only two hits while striking out three in 2.2 innings.

Delgado, Judge, and shortstop Trevor Koons all finished 2-4, combining for three runs and three RBIs.

The Leopards will head up to Thousand Oaks tomorrow to complete the series.  The first match of the doubleheader begins at 11 am.

Boxscore: CLU 4, ULV 3