SANTA CLARITA, Calif. --- Biola was held in check by a strong pitching performance, falling 7-3 to The Master's College in the opening game of a four-game GSAC series on Wednesday night.

The Eagles drop to 23-20 on the season with the loss and are now 15-18 in conference play--tied with Concordia University for sixth place and for the final GSAC playoff spot. The Mustangs improve to 23-22 and now sit alone in fifth at 16-17.

Tyler Bersano allowed just three runs on eight hits to the mighty Biola offense on the afternoon, striking out 10 to pick up the win. The Eagles' Phil Blazek did not fair as well, surrendering all seven runs on nine hits over 2-2/3 innings.

Biola took the first lead of the game in the second. Vinnie Fayard led off the frame with a double, moved to second of a flyout and scored on a single up the middle by Benji Sutherland.

The Master's came back with a two-spot in the bottom of the frame to take the lead right back. The Mustangs took advantage of a Biola error which allowed the leadoff batter to reach. After a double scored him to tie the game, Blazek was able to get two quick outs. But The Master's used the extra out afforded them by the Eagles to take the lead on a single by Ben Ives.

The Mustangs blew the game open with five runs in the third, sending 10 batters to the plate and chasing Blazek. The inning started with a double followed by a home run by Joe Zeller to make it 4-1. After Blazek retired the next two hitters, the next five batters would reach base capped by a two-run double by Ives to put the Mustangs on top 7-1.

Biola would go to Mike Frisina, who was solid in relief, allowing just four hits and striking out five over the final 5-1/3 innings.

But the Eagles' offense could not get going against Bersano, scattering three hits between the third and seventh innings. In the eighth, Biola made a bit of noise and closed the gap by two. With two out, Boone Farrington reached on a bunt single, then scored on a two-run home run by Garrett Leon.

The two teams will return to action on Thursday (Apr. 29) with the second game of the series, set to begin in Santa Clarita at 3:00 p.m. The series and regular season concludes with a doubleheader on Saturday (May 1) beginning at Noon.