LA MIRADA, Calif. --- The results of Biola's GSAC opener against Vanguard University will have to wait for over a month as the game was called due to darkness with the Lions holding a 6-5 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. 

According to GSAC policy, the game will be continued at the point it was suspended when the teams meet again at Eagles Diamond on March 26. 

Eagles got off to a quick start in the game, scoring an early run as Chris Foreman led off the game with a single and came around to score on an RBI-single by Hawkins Gebbers. The Eagles had a chance to collect more in the inning, loading the bases with two out, but Vinnie Fayard grounded out to end the threat.

The lead was short-lived, though, as the Lions got two runs on one swing of the bat in the top of the second. After a one-out walk, Nicholas Akins blasted a two-run shot into the netting over the left-centerfield fence. 

The next inning, Vanguard added two more runs on one more swing of the bat. With a runner at second base, Jacob Wood drilled a shot over the head of Foreman in centerfield and steamed into third base, beating the relay throw. The throw got away from the Biola third baseman and Wood was able to slide home with the fourth run of the game. 

The Eagles tied the score in the bottom of the fourth inning taking advantage of a pair of walks and a single which loaded the bases with no one out. Catcher Daniel Bodemer single to right-center to plate the first run of the frame, followed by a single Foreman to plate the second. Brent Chavez plated the tying run with a sacrifice fly and it appeared the Eagles would score more before the inning was over. However, Wood made an amazing diving catch in centerfield to rob Nick Rotkowitz of extra bases. On the next play, Gebbers reached on an error by Vanguard's shortstop, but the Lions' second baseman picked up the loose ball and gunned pinch-runner Phil Blazek trying to score from third to end the inning. 

Biola took the lead back in the fifth inning as Fayard blasted a shot to left for his first collegiate home run to make it 5-4 in favor of the home side. 

Despite not recording a hit after the third inning, the Lions were able to not only tie the game, but take the lead in the final three innings. In the seventh, Wood and Eric Krzysiak were hit by pitches back-to-back with one out. That was followed by a walk to Jason Schaniel to load the bases and a sacrifice fly Michael Anderson tied the game.

With darkness quickly approaching, it looked like the Eagles might take the lead with a run in the bottom of the eighth. Chavez reached on a single with one out, stole second base, then reached third on an infield groundout. Vanguard rolled the dice and pitched to Gebbers, a preseason All-American, and it paid off as Gebbers grounded out sharply to short to end the inning.

In the top of the ninth, Vanguard took the lead as darkness approached. After a one-out walk, the Lions took advantage of an error by Gebbers to put runners at second and third. The Eagles intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases and Anderson drove home the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly to right.

The umpires huddled as the Eagles prepared to bat in the bottom of the ninth and decided to suspend the game. Both benches were disappointed with the decision as Vanguard wanted to try and finish the game right there while Biola was complaining that the inning was started in the first place. Regardless, the game will be picked up at the same spot later in the season.

Biola returns to action on Thursday (Feb. 12), hosting Cal State Dominguez Hills in a non-conference game at Eagles Diamond. First pitch is slated for 2:00 p.m.