Nate Rodriguez, Sports Information Intern

Demorest, GA – Facing Wilmington College in their second game of the season, the Leopards picked up their third win of 2023 in 5-3 fashion.

Luke Garcia had a big day at the plate, reaching base twice including a single and driving home two runs. He helped the Leopards execute a first-and-third situation on the basepaths, too, manufacturing another run. Aiden Salcedo already scored on Garcia's single in the top of the fourth inning, and his brother Anthony Salcedo led off third base with Garcia on the other corner with one out. They say speed kills. Garcia broke for second on a pitch, and the speedy Salcedo dashed home. The shortstop threw the ball away, and La Verne led 3-1.

The Leopards kept the Wilmington Quakers to just three runs behind a strong piggy-back pitching performance from Jerry Terry and Benny Vogel, who combined for five strikeouts.

Terry struck out three over six innings of work, allowing an unearned run along the way to his second consecutive win. Vogel gutted out a three-inning save, also his second of the season.

La Verne owns a 3-3 record heading into the big weekend finale on Sunday, Feb. 19. The Leopards will be tested against #16 University of Lynchburg (VA) Hornets at 10 a.m. EST.