The Lindenwood baseball team was on the road in Kansas City, Missouri Tuesday to take on No. 22 Avila. The Lions would upend the Eagles in game one, 3-2 but the home team would come from behind to win game two, 3-2.
In the opening game of the day the Lions jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning and then would tack on runs in third and the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. Avila would cut the lead to one run with two runs in the home half of the sixth. Lindenwood would send in their closer Joey Vega to try and shut down the Lions 26th win of the year. The sophomore from California did exactly that for his fifth save of the season.
Randy Serrato started on the mound going 6 1/3 surrendering just two runs and won his fifth game of the season. At the plate, Frank Corpus led the way with a 2-for-2 day and his second home run of the season. First baseman Shelby Anderson chipped in with three hits in four at-bats.
Game two was a pitchers duel from the opening pitch. Lions' starter Evan Vinyard started with four shutout innings and Avila starter, Taylor Monjo, shut out the Lions for five. Avila was the first offense to put a dent in the scoreboard with a single run in the fifth.
With Avila leading Lindenwood answered back with two runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 2-1 lead. Vega would once again be called on to try and close the game but this time the Eagles were able to get to Vega and score two runs in the bottom of the seventh for the win.
Vinyard (6-2) started and received a no decision but went six innings striking out four and giving up just one run. Corpus and Carlos Pianetta would drive in the Lions only two runs.
Up next for the Lions (26-11, 10-6) will be a four game weekend series against the Missouri Valley Vikings starting on Friday night at the Lou Brock Sports Complex.
