LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne baseball team slugged three home runs but could not fend off a late rally by Pomona-Pitzer and lost, 16-12, on Tuesday afternoon at Ben Hines Field.
One aggressive baserunning move tilted the game in favor of the Saghens. With runners on first and second and one out, Kevin Brice launched a deep fly ball that La Verne center fielder Christopher Ligot caught just in front of the center field fence. Andrew Phillips, who was on second, tagged up and caught everyone off guard as he dashed straight home to tie the game at 12-12. The Sagehens then hit two singles, drew a walk and hit a two run triple to grab a 16-12 lead.
The Leopards scratched together a pair of two-out singles in the bottom of the ninth, but could not cash in.
Pomona-Pitzer threatened to pull away early as it took advantage of three errors by La Verne and put up a six-spot in the first inning. But Christopher Arcos sparked La Verne's offense with a no-doubter three-run shot to straightaway right field, Ben White and Daniel McDonnell both cleared the fence in the fourth inning and the Leopards had a 9-7 lead at the end of the fourth.
After the Sagehens came back to tie the game at 11-11, Anthony Gonzalez hit a go-ahead single to plate White but it didn't prove to be enough.
McDonnell finished 4-for-6 with four RBI and three runs scored to pace the Leopards. White was 3-for-6 and three other Leopards recorded multiple hits.
Bryce Rogan and Matt Omori each had four hits to lead the Sagehens.
La Verne finishes the season 18-21 overall and 11-17 in the SCIAC. Pomona-Pitzer ends the season 20-19 and 13-15.