Nate Rodriguez, Sports Information Intern

The Leopards exploded in the eighth inning of game one against Linfield University, scoring 11 runs and bringing 16 hitters to the plate to defeat the Wildcats 16-5.

Corner infielder Cam Slessor had a huge day at the plate, going 4-4 with a triple and driving home three. Slessor also scored three runs while playing sound defense at both first and third base. Left-hander Jaylon Fong started on the hill for La Verne, delivering five scoreless innings while striking out five and picking up the win. The southpaw pitched carefully with runners on base, escaping jams in both the second and fourth innings. Logan Reese provided more highlight-reel defense in right field, fighting against the glaring Southern California sun to make a couple of web gems. In the top of the first, Reese leaped on the warning track to make a catch while crashing into the right field wall.

The right fielder then prevented a run from scoring on a shallow fly ball in the sixth. With a runner on third, Reese crashed in on a pop fly hit behind the second baseman. At full speed, Reese gave a full-extension dive to make the catch – throwing home and holding the runner.

In his second high-leverage relief appearance in as many games, right-hander Ian Wong entered the game with runners on the corners in the top of the seventh and one out. Wong managed to induce two fly outs, killing the potential Linfield rally. Two first-year Leopards pitched in the ninth inning, picking up their first collegiate strikeouts. Anthony Vargas punched out a batter and Tanner Van Why closed the ballgame out with a strikeout of his own.

La Verne bounced back on Thursday to take the first of a three-game series against the Wildcats, collecting 11 hits and taking advantage of free passes and a depleted Linfield bullpen for their first 2023 win. The Leopards will host game two of the series on Fri., Feb. 10 at 2 p.m.