LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne baseball team battled late and took the lead in the seventh, and was one out away from taking the series-opening win over Cal Lutheran.

But the Kingsmen took advantage of a La Verne misuse in the top of the ninth, tied the game to force extra innings, and defeated the Leopards 4-3 in the 10th.

Down 2-1 with two outs in the seventh, Tanner Siffert stepped up to bat with Adam Santa Cruz on third and Cameron Slessor on second. Siffert came through and singled through the left side to bring both runners home and give the Leopard their first lead of the game.

The Leopards held onto the lead heading into the ninth and reliever Ben Aguilera looked poised to end the game. The junior forced the first batter to pop out and struck out Jalen Parks to put La Verne one out away from the win.

An error by La Verne kept the Kingsmen alive. Cal Lutheran loaded the bases with a single and a walk that set up the game-tying RBI by Kyle Reuser. Zach Bullard put the game away in the tenth with his second home run of the game.

The game started as a defensive dual early as the squads combined for just one run through five innings.

La Verne finally got on the board in the sixth off a Cal Lutheran error that sent Luke Garcia to the plate.

Sean Holt pitched four innings in his start striking out three while allowing just one run. Aguilera pitched four and two-thirds innings with two strikeouts and one earned run. Freshman Nick Zolferino stepped on the mound in the ninth and stuck out three.

Brandon Shiota and John Bike both finished with two hits.

The Kingsmen were led by Bullard's two RBIs and starting pitcher Alexander Rivas' eight strikeouts.

Season Impact

The Leopards move to 1-3 overall and 1-3 in the SCIAC. Cal Lutheran improves to 6-6 overall and 6-4 in the SCIAC.

Next Game

The Leopards return to action on Sunday when they travel to Cal Lutheran for a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.