RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist baseball program secured the series over the University of Pacific on Sunday afternoon with a convincing 12-4 win. Bubba Rocha led the way for the Lancers on offense after going three-for-four at the plate with a pair of doubles to help CBU to its sixth series win this season. California Baptist is now 20-16 on the season and will return to Western Athletic Conference play next weekend.
The Tigers got out to another solid start with a solo shot in the first inning for a lead that would not be relinquished until the third inning. CBU was forced to make a pitching change in the first inning, but the Lancer pitching staff persevered and held the away squad to just four runs with six shutout innings. Niko Urquidi picked up his third pitching win this season as the Lancers combined for 11 punchouts during the afternoon game. A four-run bottom of the third was highlighted by a two-RBI double from Nicholas Dumesnil before Connor Ross knocked his fifth bomb of the season. CBU would repeat in the bottom of the fourth with another four runs courtesy of four free bases from the Tigers. In total, Pacific gave up eight free bases across nine innings while dishing seven Ks on the day.
Two doubles in the bottom of the fifth would give way to a trio of runs, and CBU ensured their win with a sac fly from Ben Castelli for the win. Ryan Kim showed up and showed out against the Tigers, knocking six hits with two runs and three RBI this weekend. Julian Orozco put up one of his best weekends from the mound for CBU, tossing five innings with no runs while allowing just one hit and dishing seven Ks.
California Baptist will now turn its attention to Monday night as it welcomes UC Santa Barabara for a midweek tilt before hitting the road to Sacramento State this weekend to continue conference action.
