IRVINE, Calif. – The CUI baseball team split Friday's doubleheader with No. 3 Point Loma, and now holds a 22-23-1 record on the season with a conference record of 15-13. No. 3 Point Loma is the highest ranked school CUI have ever defeated (NCAA DII era), passing a 17-8 win over No. 7
Azusa Pacific on March 27, 2021.
Before the games, nine seniors were honored for their contributions to the program: #1
Will Bonn, #3
Jackson Collins, #10
Tristan Hanoian, #15
Shoma Yoshida, #24
Kevin Fowler, #26
Philip Quartararo, #29
Evan Larsen, #33
Noah McBride, and #34
Carpenter Pagett.
Senior Day Message From the Coaching Staff
To the Players - "To the nine seniors that are playing in their last collegiate game here at home, we say thank you and we love you. Thank you for many reasons, but most of all for being great Eagles during your time here at CUI. This institution and Baseball Program have been truly blessed to have you as a part of our lives. You have represented your name, your Family, this institution, and program on and off the field at a very high level. As each of you will have graduated and are going to enter the next phase of your life, we look forward to continuing our support and standing by each of you during your chosen endeavors. Whatever you choose to do, please remember to be the very best you can be every moment that this great life gives you. We thank you again for this journey we have been on together."
To the Families – "This day is a day of celebration for you and your entire family, not just these 9 seniors. These men would not be here if it was not for your lifetime of support and putting them in positions to be a successful collegiate athlete. These 9 seniors have given more to this program and staff then we could ever imagine giving back to them. Forever, we will be in debt to your family and these young men. This is your home, and you will forever be Eagles."
Game 1: CUI 6, PLNU 4
Starting pitcher
Evan Larsen delivered one of his better performances of the season, allowing just one earned run in 6.0 innings with eight strikeouts. The senior has punched out at least eight batters six times this season, ranking first on the team and seventh in the conference with 76 strikeouts this season.
A majority of the offensive production came in the bottom of the sixth inning, as 11 batters came to the plate and were able to plate five runs on three hits. In addition, five batters were able to reach base via the walk or hit by pitch. The inning was highlighted by a two-run double to left center field off the bat of
Nathan Benefeito and an RBI single coming from
Shoma Yoshida.
Philip Quartararo and
Will Bonn were also able to manufacture runs with a sac fly and safety squeeze, respectively.
The Green & Gold pushed across one more in the bottom of the seventh, when Yoshida hit a sac fly to center field to score Collins from third for CUI's final run of the game.
Noah McBride locked it down out of the pen, providing his tenth scoreless outing of the season. The Lakeside native struck out two batters in 2.2 innings while also recording a save, his third of the season. With Point Loma being ranked No. 3 nationally, CUI was able to claim their highest opponent-ranked win in school history (NCAA DII era).
Game 2: CUI 0, PLNU 5 (7 innings)
The CUI bats were silenced in game two, coming away with zero hits in the series finale. PLNU's starter Jack Gonzalez struck out an impressive 15 batters for the Sea Lions' second no-hitter of the season.
Four different Eagles toed the rubber, none going more than 2.1 innings. With the loss, starting pitcher
Mason Metcalfe falls to 4-4 on the season after allowing two earned runs with five walks. Reliever
Jamison King delivered a solid performance out of the pen, allowing zero runs and zero hits in 2.0 innings.
Concordia will conclude the regular season on the road with a series against Holy Names beginning on Wednesday, May 11
th. CUI's 2022 squad is only two wins away from setting the school record for wins in a single season (NCAA DII era), meaning at least a series split will accomplish that feat.
Click HERE for the 2022 Baseball Schedule
