COSTA MESA, Calif. — Stan State (5-1) claimed the series over Vanguard on Saturday at Dean Harvey Field, splitting the doubleheader with a 6–2 loss in the opener before responding with an 8–3 victory in the nightcap. The Warriors erupted for eight runs on 11 hits in game two, with
Austin Sargent going 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs,
Korey Likens adding a solo homer, and
Chase Wilson driving in two runs. On the mound,
Eli Blurton earned the win in relief, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts as Stan State pulled away to secure the series win over the Lions.
Game One
Vanguard (3-3) used early power to take control in the opener, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding two more in the third to build a lead it would not relinquish. Stan State settled in on the mound as the game progressed, with the bullpen limiting further damage, but the Warriors were unable to overcome the early deficit. Stan State pushed across a run in the sixth and another in the seventh but fell 6–2.
Zach Geiss took the loss for the Warriors, while Vanguard starter J. Hiner earned the win after holding Stan State to one run over six innings.
Game Two
Stan State turned the page quickly in the nightcap, delivering its most complete performance of the day in an 8–3 victory. The Warriors erased a 3–1 deficit with a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by RBI singles from
Austin Sargent and
Chase Wilson.
Korey Likens added a solo home run, and Sargent later delivered a two-run homer to help Stan State pull away late. On the mound,
Eli Blurton earned the win in relief, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, while Vanguard's Dy. Henson was charged with the loss as the Warriors secured the series victory over the Lions.
Warrior Notables
- Stan State recorded 11 hits in game two, marking its third double-digit hit performance of the season.
- Austin Sargent finished the nightcap 3-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs.
- Korey Likens homered for the second time this season and added a walk in game two.
- Eli Blurton improved to 2–0 on the year after throwing 2.2 scoreless innings in relief.
- The Warriors outscored Vanguard 8–0 from the fifth inning on in the series finale.
Up Next
The Warriors then return home to open an eight-game homestand, beginning with a four-game series against Simpson, Feb. 13–15. The series will begin on Friday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. with the series opener.
