RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Fresno Pacific (34-14) never counted itself out after losing to Point Loma Nazarene yesterday, and fought its way back to the GSAC championship game by defeating The Master’s College (26-25) 10-5 and then coming right back to defeat Point Loma (35-18-1) 11-10. The Sunbirds held off a late surge from Point Loma to advance to the championship game against California Baptist.
After defeating The Master’s College for the second time in the tournament, the Sunbirds had a solid 11-7 lead over Point Loma going into the final inning.
Point Loma opened the inning with a home run.
After two more runs scored in the ninth and Point Loma had pulled within one run with the tying run on first, the Sunbirds brought in
Matt Mazzoni for the final out. Jack Diamond had already hit in two runs for Point Loma, but struck out swinging for the final at-bat of the game.
The Sunbirds won the game 11-10 with Jared Coleman leading with 6 RBIs including a three-run home run in the sixth inning.
The Sunbirds had more good news with the final coaches’ poll, moving up to No. 11 in the NAIA. The No. 11 Sunbirds will take on No. 3 California Baptist for the GSAC championship game on Thursday, May 13.
Fresno Pacific will have to win twice in order to win the double-elimination tournament. The Sunbirds split with Cal Baptist in the regular season, and remain undefeated in games they score 10 runs or more. The championship game begins at 12 noon and the second game will follow if needed.