Box Score LA MIRADA, Calif. --- A ninth-inning, two out triple plated the go-ahead run after three errors led to three unearned runs as No. 14 Concordia came back to defeat Biola 4-3 in the first game of a four-game GSAC series on Thursday afternoon.
Biola had its four-game winning-streak snapped and drops to 17-17 on the season and to 10-7 in the conference. Concordia breaks the tie with Biola for second place in the GSAC with the win, moving to 11-6 and to 21-11 overall.
A trio of errors led to three unearned runs for Concordia, which was able to win despite just five hits in the contest. It spoiled another great start by Jeff Grijalva, who allowed three unearned runs on two hits over 6-2/3 innings, striking out five in the ball game. He did not allow a hit until a bunt single with one out in the top of the fifth inning.
Concordia opened the scoring without a hit in the first inning as Ty Holm drew a leadoff walk, stole second and moved to third on a throwing error. He would then come around to score on a ground out as Concordia took the early 1-0 lead.
In the top of the third inning, CUI would get another run without a hit as John Doering was hit by a pitch, stole second and moved to third on a fly out. He would then come around to score on as Grijalva mishandled a throw back to the mound, allowing Doering to come around to score.
Biola got those runs back in the fourth. Nick Covyeau led off the frame with a single up the middle, moving to second on a ground out. Mike Lopez then recorded his second of four hits on the day to drive home Covyeau, moving to second on the throw home. After a walk and fly out, Sutherland came up clutch with a two-out single to plate the pinch-runner Tanner Swire with the tying run.
Biola would take the lead in the fifth as Vinnie Fayard led off with a double and scored on an error. Lopez would again single putting runners on the corners with two out, but Biola was unable to take advantage as a ground out ended the inning.
Concordia would rally back to tie the game in the seventh as Chris Lemus reached on an error to open the inning. He would steal second and move to third on a sacrifice bunt, coming around to score on a sacrifice fly.
In the top of the ninth, Doering recorded a one-out single and moved to second on a ground out. Kyle Konicek then came up clutch with a triple down the right-field line.
Biola would attempt a final rally in the ninth as Drake Fages drew a walk with one out. He would steal second base, but a fly out and strikeout would end the game.
Brent Clapper earned the win, going 8-1/3 innings, allowing three runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts while tossing 142 pitches in the game. Sean Buford would come on to close out the game, recording the final two outs for his first save of the season.
Erick Allen suffered his first loss of the season despite allowing one run on three hits over 2-1/3 innings, falling to 3-1 overall.
Lopez paced the Eagles' offense by going 4-for-4 on the day to up his average to .322 on the season. Benjji Sutherland went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles while Vinnie Fayard went 2-for-5.
Biola and Concordia battle again on Friday afternoon in the second game of the four-game series at Biola beginning at 3:00 p.m. The series concludes on Saturday with a doubleheader at Concordia at 12;00 p.m.
