Nate Rodriguez, Sports Information Intern

La Verne, CA – The University of La Verne baseball team held a two-run lead late into the series opener against the Endicott College Gulls, but allowed four runs in the eighth inning to lose 5-3.

Former SCIAC Pitcher of the Week Ethan Galindo nearly completed five innings of no-hit baseball, until he allowed a solo homer to the Gulls' first baseman for Endicott's first hit and run of the game. He was pulled an inning later, with two outs in the sixth having allowed the lone run.

The Leopards managed just five hits against three Endicott right-handers, including doubles by both Aiden and Anthony Salcedo. The Leopards' shortstop was one of three position players to drive in a run, along with Cam Slessor and Chase Siffert.

La Verne will play two more against Endicott College on Saturday at Ben Hines Field, but will host Webster University (St. Louis, MO) first on Friday at 3 p.m. The Leopards are aiming for double-digit wins this weekend, with four games slated by Monday's end.