Another slam by Parr propels Chapman over La Sierra 16-1

ORANGE, Calif. – An eight-run first inning propelled the Chapman University baseball team to a 16-1 win over visiting La Sierra University at Hart Park on Thursday night. The Panthers hit two first-inning home runs including junior OF James Parr's second grand slam of the season and Chapman-record third of his career.

Chapman (17-19) extended its season-best winning streak to four games and has now won six of its last eight games.

The Panthers scored eight times in the first inning, all unearned, including seven with two outs after a La Sierra (4-31-1) error prolonged the inning. Junior IF Tyler Surnbrock his hit team-leading fourth homer of the season – a line drive shot to left – to bring home two runs and make it 4-0. After a single and two walks Chapman loaded the bases for Parr who hit the opposite field slam to left for his third dinger of the year.

Leading 9-0 in the fifth, the Panthers struck for four more runs thanks, in part, to a two-run double by sophomore IF Troy Newman. Another Golden Eagles error led to Chapman's third run of the inning and sophomore OF Adam Velez singled in a run to give the Panthers a 13-0 advantage.

Chapman scored another run in the sixth and wrapped up its scoring with a pair of runs in the eighth inning when pinch hitter Justin Hanks hit an RBI triple down the right field line and scored on a single by senior Steve Greenberg. The Panthers' 16 runs was their second-highest total of the season (17 vs. Trinity).

Thirteen different players drove in a run for the Panthers, including Newman and Greenberg who had two apiece. Newman, Greenberg and senior OF Charlie Piro each collected two hits as Chapman pounded out 14 in the game.

Seven Chapman pitchers combined on a three-hitter with 15 strikeouts, led by junior RHP Brian Rauh (7-1) who picked up the win with two perfect innings and three Ks. The Panthers' pitching staff allowed just one unearned run in the eighth and hasn't allowed an earned run in 37 consecutive innings.

The Panthers continue to climb back toward the .500 mark after falling as many as six games below .500. Chapman needs to win at least three of its final four games to finish at .500 or above.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/bsb/2011-12/boxscores/20120426_azvw.xml

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