Downer Leads Lancers to Friday Night Victory

Friday, April 5

Sacramento, CA

4:00 PM

California Baptist University

18-12, 7-3

Sacramento State

13-18, 5-8

California Baptist

Sacramento State

Downer Leads Lancers to Friday Night Victory

4/5/2024 9:50:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Mariah Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications and Digital Media

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.--- The California Baptist baseball program headed north on Friday evening to begin a Western Athletic Conference series with Sacramento State and emerged victorious from the pitcher's duel. Brandon Downer carried the game for the Lancers defensively, and Mitchel Simon secured the 1-0 win with a solo home run. CBU improves to 18-12 overall and 7-3 in conference play.

Downer's performance on the mound was his best of the season after tossing eight innings and allowing just three hits while sitting down seven Hornets. Paired with the Downer's impressive mound performance, the CBU defensive effort was exceptional and curbed any offensive attack Sacramento strung together. Simon's first-pitch opposite-field homer came in the top of the seventh, ultimately securing the win for the Lancers.

Not in Vegas, but Downer is dealing🃏#LanceUp⚔️ pic.twitter.com/yueVBNtEsu
— California Baptist Baseball (@CBUbaseball) April 6, 2024

The Hornet's best offensive chance came in the bottom of the ninth after placing two runners in scoring position but a clutch throw home from Connor McGuire to Michael Carpentier caught the runner stealing for the second out of the inning. Ryan Hetzler closed the game with a strikeout for his third save of the year, while Downer collected his third pitching win of the season.