Game 1 (7-6, L):
Golden Eagles stayed in it until the end, but Benedictine University at Mesa pulled away late in a 7-6 victory on Friday. Benedictine University trailed 5-4 in the top of the ninth inning when Jared Dane gave up a grand-slam homerun. Only 3 of the 4 runs counted as the batter was out on an appeal play after passing up the runner on first base.
Despite the loss, Golden Eagles did collect nine hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, Benedictine University had 14 hits on the way to victory.
Justin Cartzdafner was on the mound for Golden Eagles. He allowed ten hits and four runs over six innings, striking out five and walking one. Jacob Holguin and Jared Dane entered the game as relief, throwing two innings and one inning respectively.
Golden Eagles racked up nine hits on the day. Dylan Cooksley, Justin Shields, and Antonio Scott each had multiple hits for Golden Eagles. Scott had a homer in the sixth inning. Cooksley went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Golden Eagles in hits.
Game 2 (10-5, L):
Golden Eagles watched the game slip away early and couldn't recover in a 10-5 loss to the Redhawks. Benedictine University got things started in the first inning with a single from Ketchum on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.
Tyler Jacobsen toed the rubber for Benedictine University. He lasted six innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out two and walking zero.
Owen Huff was on the mound for Golden Eagles. He allowed seven hits and five runs over two innings, striking out two. Alec Boyd, Jake Wear, and Dylan Pettitt each contributed in relief for Golden Eagles.
Golden Eagles tallied one home run on the day from centerfielder Justin Shields. Nick Salinas led Golden Eagles with two hits in four at bats. The Redhawks collected 13 hits in the second game while the Golden Eagles collected 6.
Game 3 (10-2, L):
Golden Eagles struggled to get their offense going on Sunday, getting easily dispatched by the Redhawks, 10-2.
Jacob Bretsch was on the mound for Golden Eagles. He lasted four and a third innings, allowing six hits and five runs while striking out three. Dylan Pettitt, Israel Cervera, and Dylan Lopez each contributed in relief for Golden Eagles. On the offensive side, Dylan Cooksley led Golden Eagles with two hits in four at bats.
The Golden Eagles will look to get their first conference wins as they travel to Lancaster, Calif. to take on the Pioneers. Friday, Feb. 28, will be a single 9-inning game at 12 p.m. and then Sunday, Mar. 1, will be a double header starting at 11 a.m.
