Leos erase ten-run deficit, end in a draw

By Joe Perrino, Sports Information Assistant

LA VERNE — A wild one for the Leopards against the Occidental Tigers on Monday, Feb. 21 at home, ended in a 13-13 tie after the eighth inning. While the Tigers posted a ten spot in the top of the first inning, the Leos clawed their way back in the game with some electric offense, baserunning, and impressive relief pitching. One of those impressive offensive plays came in the bottom of the eighth. La Verne was down to their final out of the game and the ninth hitter, Drew Reddick, stepped to the plate. Reddick was already 3-4 on the day and had been the toughest out for the Leopards. The center fielder dropped yet another single into the outfield, scoring Christian Killian. That brought up the top of the order, Anthony Salcedo, who took the count to 1-1. Reddick took off at first, trying to steal second, but was thrown out ending the game. While no winner was determined at the end of the game, the Leos could consider the comeback a victory in and of itself. Around the diamond, Reddick was the only Leo with multiple hits, but seven other Leos reached base via the swing of the bat. On the bump, Nick Zolferino picked up the bulk of the work, pitching the second through fifth innings allowing two runs. And Alfredo Frey and Vicente Molina cleaned it up in the backend of the pen with a combined three scoreless innings and one total hit.

The Leopards return to the field Feb. 27 when they host Centenary College.