Walla Walla, WA: The University of La Verne Leopards defeated Whitman 12-8 in the Bud Kight Invitational Opener on Friday evening.
Chase Siffert singled in Anthony Salcedo in the top of the third inning to give the Leopards a 1-0 lead. Whitman countered with two runs in the bottom half of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. Cameron Slessor scored the tying run for La Verne in the 4th inning to make it 2-2 and in the 6th inning the Leopards scored three runs – two of which coming off a two-run double from Salcedo. Jacob Barriga followed it up with an RBI single, making it 5-2 La Verne. Manuel Munoz hit a bases-clearing double to break open the score at 8-2 in favor of La Verne in the 7th inning and in the 8th inning the Leopards pounced for four more runs, capped off by John Bike doubling in Slessor and Brandon Shiota to make it 12-2 La Verne. Whitman mounted a comeback in the 9th inning, tacking on six runs. However, La Verne was able to stave off the late rally and win the game 12-8.
Standouts
Sean Holt pitched six solid innings en route to picking up his 10th victory of the season. Chase Siffert collected three hits and drove in the game's first run. Cameron Slessor went 3-4 with four runs scored. Anthony Salcedo collected two hits, scored three times, and drove in two runs. Malachi Francois and Brandon Shiota each collected a pair of hits.
Next Up
The University of La Verne Leopards will play against Whitworth at Noon and Whitman at 3:00 PM tomorrow afternoon.