LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola used a four-run sixth inning to pull away and held off a late Chaminade rally to win 7-5 in seven innings, taking three of four from the Silverswords in the series.
James Whitman led the charge offensively, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, a hit-by-pitch and three runs scored. The home run was his second of the day, 15th of the season and 46th of his career, officially making him Biola's all-time home run king. His 15 big flies in 2026 is a new career-best.
Oscar Knapp was equally productive, finishing 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI.
The Eagles struck first in the opening frame. Whitman batted his record-setting homer to center field off Chaminade starter Ryan Shimabukuro to give Biola a 1-0 lead. Knapp followed with a single, and back-to-back walks to Kyle Rogers and Reef Danner loaded the bases. Ty Cowley was then hit by a pitch, forcing in another run to make it 2-0.
Biola tacked on another in the third. Whitman doubled down the left field line to lead off the inning, and Knapp drove him in with an RBI double to left center to extend the advantage to 3-0.
Chaminade answered in the fourth with two of their own, cutting the lead to 3-2.
Starter Aidan Cube worked four innings for Biola, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits while issuing no walks. Dylan Alanis came on in the fifth and was dominant, striking out two in a perfect inning of work.
The Silverswords took the lead in the sixth with two more runs giving them a 4-3 advantage. But the Eagles' defense cut off the rally by making an out at home plate.
Biola responded immediately in the bottom of the sixth with a decisive four-run frame. A Jonny Tewinkle ripped a two-RBI triple down the right field line gave the Eagles a 5-4 lead. A groundout from Knapp drove in Tewinkle and Rogers capped the outburst with an RBI single up the middle to make it 7-4.
Wentz returned for the seventh and immediately found trouble. Chris Mata singled, pinch-hitter Trysten Mooney singled, and Cade Fujii loaded the bases with nobody out. But Wentz buckled down, striking out Harrison Clark swinging on three pitches. Ayala's fielder's choice brought in a run to make it 7-5, but Wentz got Poler to fly out to center field to end the game with the tying run on base. Wentz earned the win, improving to 3-3 on the season.
Biola moved to 21-23 on the season and 17-19 in PacWest play. The Eagles are still within striking distance of the fourth and final PacWest Tournament spot with eight conference games remaining. Up next for Head Coach Jesse Rodgers' bunch is a 4-game home-and-home set vs. Vanguard. This begins at Eagles Diamond this Friday.
