Bruins go to 3-0 as Offense Lights up Leopards

Salem-News.com SPORTS

ANTHEM, Ariz. - Continuing to show a good mix of offensive firepower, steady pitching and sure-handed defense, the George Fox University Bruins ran their record to 3-0 with a 12-3 win over the University of La Verne Leopards on the third day of the 2007 Arizona Desert Classic Saturday here at the Boulder Creek High School junior varsity field.

For the second straight day, the Bruins put a dozen runs on the board, banging out 13 hits and using an eight-run 2nd inning to quickly seize control.

Daniel Downs, who was a home run shy of the cycle while going 3-4, collected his double and triple both in the big 2nd inning.

Leadoff man Drew Johnson also had three hits, including a home run in the 8th, with two runs scored and two RBI.

Dan Wentzell, Matt Wyckoff, and Ryan Fobert had two hits apiece, Wentzell and Wyckoff each doubling, while Wyckoff had two RBI.

The offensive support was more than enough for right-hander Preston Langeliers (1-0), who went six innings, scattering five hits while striking out three with no walks.

Nick Hedgecock worked a scoreless 7th, and Daniel Grierson completed the last two innings with four strikeouts, no walks, and no hits allowed.

The Bruin defense played errorless ball for the third straight game. Left-hander Sal Diaz (0-1) took the loss for the Leopards.

George Fox is now 3-0, the best start for the Bruins since the 2004 national championship team began the season 4-0. La Verne fell to 1-5 overall and 1-2 in the tournament.

The Bruins play Whitter College Sunday on the varsity field at 2:00 PM, while the Leopards take on Pacific Lutheran University Sunday at 2:00 PM on the junior varsity field.

Adding comments to these stories has been disabled. View the current sports stories Salem-News Sports