Nate Rodriguez, Sports Information Intern
Redlands, CA – The Leopards pulled off a wild comeback to open the series against the University of Redlands Bulldogs, toppling a 6-1 deficit and scoring three runs in the ninth inning to win 9-7.
Trailing by four runs, the Leopards stormed from behind to take a 6-5 lead in the seventh inning. Redlands would fight back, scoring two more and holding a slim lead into the ninth; but the Leos had other plans.
Luke Garcia ignited the fire in the top of the ninth with a one-out double to get La Verne in business. He was driven home by Noah Garcia's second game-tying RBI single, this one into left field. He later came around to score on a wild pitch, before Benny Vogel plated another insurance run with a tricky infield pop-up that landed in fair territory.
Vogel, who finished with three hits and threw a runner out from center field early in the game, came into pitch to earn his fourth save. Steven Vasquez earned his first win as a Leopard, answering his call to the bullpen with two dominant innings to keep the Leos in the game.
The Leopards own a 4-0 SCIAC record heading into Saturday's doubleheader at Ben Hines Field against the Bulldogs, who drop to 1-2 in conference play.