AZUSA, CA – After waiting an extra day to start their four-game series with Azusa Pacific, the Cougars took full advantage of the additional rest early but couldn't keep that momentum the entire day.
Colorado Christian knocked off eight-ranked Azusa Pacific in the first game of Friday's doubleheader but fell in the nightcap.
The series was scheduled to start on Thursday but rain rearranged the schedule. The teams conclude the four-game set on Friday with another doubleheader on Saturday.
GAME ONE – Colorado Christian 8, #8 Azusa Pacific 5
The Cougars got on the scoreboard in the first inning, never trailed in the contest and took advantage of a handful of Azusa Pacific miscues to earn the victory.
Joel Manzano hit a three-run homerun with one-out to start the contest to put the Cougars in a good spot.
Colorado Christian kept their three-run lead until the fourth stanza when Griffen Herrera hit a two-run homerun to leftfield. The Cougars gave themselves some breathing room with a three-run seventh inning. During the frame Matt Kimura hit a hustle infield single which scored Connor Marschall. The Cougars added two more runs on a pair of passed balls for a 6-2 edge.
In the eighth inning they added another run when Drew Kennedy's RBI single plated Wyatt Crenshaw. The teams each scored a run in the bottom of the eighth and top of the ninth respectively. Azusa Pacific's attempted comeback went for naught.
A solid effort on the mound from Alex Ginn played a large role in the opening game win. The senior, making just his ninth career start, went six strong innings where he gave-up five hits and struck out two during his 100-pitch effort. He walked just one batter before giving the ball to Zach Haning who earned the save by pitching the final three frames.
Eight players notched a hit for the Cougars led by Manzano's and Kennedy's two-hit contest.
GAME TWO – #8 Azusa Pacific 15, Colorado Christian 6
Azusa Pacific reversed the script in the second game as they put a three-spot on the scoreboard in the opening inning. The Cougars responded with a run in the top of the second inning when a Kaleb Sorensen double to rightfield scored Drew Kennedy.
The middle innings belonged to Azusa Pacific as they scored at least one run in four of the next five innings. The big blow came in the sixth stanza when they crossed the plate seven times. With three frames left in the contest, Azusa Pacific held a 13-1 edge.
Colorado Christian scored twice in the seventh and put three more on the scoreboard in the eighth but it wasn't enough.
Sorensen put together a perfect game at the dish as he went 4-for-4 with two runs batted in while scoring another.
