Spalding tops Chapman with two late-inning comebacks

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University baseball team's eight-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt on Sunday as visiting Spalding University rallied to defeat the Panthers 14-13 in a non-conference matchup at Hart Park. The Golden Eagles came back from a 6-1 deficit, turning the tide of the game with a seven-run eighth inning and rallying again in the ninth for the win.

Spalding (3-2) scored seven times in the top of eighth inning to turn a 7-5 deficit into a five-run advantage. The Eagles' Kam Bruner capped the inning with a three-run double down the right field line to make it 12-7.

But Chapman (11-6) rallied in the bottom of the inning and regained the lead with a bases-loaded triple from junior IF Tyler Cook, an RBI double by junior IF John Wiehe and a two-run single by junior C David Basen, which put the Panthers back on top 13-12 heading to the ninth. Wiehe finished 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored.

The Eagles had the last word, however, plating two runs in the top of the ninth and then held on for the victory. Jacob Woodruff had the game-winning RBI on a sacrifice fly to right.

Chapman played long ball early in the game to build a 6-1 lead after the first three innings. Cook belted his third home run of the year, a two-run shot to left-center in the first inning and leadoff man, sophomore OF Joey Bernal hit his second homer in three days – also a two-run shot – in the second inning. Cook finished the game with five RBI, while freshman DH Gavin Blodgett led the Panthers with four hits and a pair of runs.

Spalding leadoff batter Nic Chafin was also 4-for-5 with a walk and one of the Eagles' six stolen bases in the game. The teams combined for 27 runs and 31 hits in the game.

Golden Eagles' IF/RHP Korie Vire went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and picked up the win with a scoreless inning and a third to close the game.

After seeing their eight-game winning streak snapped, the Panthers return to action on Tuesday night when they welcome in No. 6-ranked Kean University (N.J.) to Hart Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

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