The University of La Verne baseball team would notch two victories against SCIAC foe Whittier College Saturday evening at Mazmanian Field on the campus of Mt. San Antonio College.  Highlighted by timely offense and outstanding pitching performances from Kevin Knight and Sean Beckman the Leopards would prevail 10-1 and 1-0.

Game one of the twinbill was anchored by a gem from Knight, who went the distance giving up just one run and five hits in a full nine innings of work.  Knight struck out five and demonstrated command of the strike zone walking just two batters. 

Despite Whittier taking an early 1-0 lead, the La Verne offense would answer back by scoring in five of the seven remaining innings.   Any momentum on behalf of the Poets shifted in the bottom of the second when Leopard senior Cody Hazel cleared the 380 sign in right field with a three run homer which scored Jason Moralez and Michael Stewart. 

Hazel was a formidable presence at the plate in tallying five RBIs on the day while going 2-4.  Tim Ralston also helped the Leopard cause with a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to give La Verne a 9-1 cushion.  The final blow would come in the bottom of the eight when Ralston scored David Finneran with a sacrifice fly to right field. 

Stewart, Moralez, and Stoltenberg were also 2-4 in the contest while the combination of Ralston and Hazel accounted for eight Leopard runs. 

The Leopard bats would cool in the nightcap but starting pitcher Sean Beckman would pick up were Knight left off, capturing the complete game shutout while striking out 11 while giving up just four hits.  Beckman also displayed exemplary command of the strike zone walking just one batter.   Stoltenberg would give Beckman the run support needed with a single to center that scored George Hanna in the second inning.  After receiving the run support, Beckman fittingly ended the game with an exclamation point, striking out the final batter.

Nick Bergara was 2-4 at the plate with George Hanna going 2-3 with a run scored.

The Leopards improve to 17-9 overall and 11-6 in conference play.  La Verne will conclude the three-game set with the Poets on Sunday beginning at 1:00 pm.