Nate Rodriguez, Sports Information Intern

LA VERNE, CA — Facing elimination, the top-seeded University of La Verne Leopards beat the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags 12-8 to advance to their third game in the 2023 SCIAC Postseason Tournament.

Right fielder Logan Reese supplied the power in what turned out to be a game-winning grand slam, his third hit of the day for a total of five runs batted in. Reese fought off pitches in a full-count before lacing a shot over the left-center wall.

La Verne exploded for 12 runs on 12 hits, led by Reese's three. First baseman Noah Garcia reached four times, drawing a pair of walks and singling twice, also picking up an RBI. Six different Leos drove home at least one run, which left starting pitcher Jerry Terry and the bullpen with plenty of room to work with.

Terry muscled through five innings of work, throwing over 100 pitches and allowing three runs, despite just one being earned. The right-hander pitched carefully around a powerful Stags lineup and left the game in a great position to win.

He handed the ball over to a trio of relievers, who managed less than two innings combined before SCIAC saves leader Benny Vogel answered the call from head coach Scott Winterburn. Vogel dominated the strike zone for a 7-out save, his 10th of the season. He struck out two.

La Verne is 1-1 in the postseason tournament, as is their opponent tomorrow: Chapman University. The Panthers their Game 2 of the tournament to California Lutheran University, who now moves on to the afternoon Championship game(s) held at Ben Hines Field.

The Leopards and Panthers will claw it out in the Big Cat Battle tomorrow morning for one last time this season, with a trip to the tournament Championship on the line. La Verne took two of three during the regular season from Chapman.

First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Ben Hines Field.

(photo by @flicksbycinco)