Box Score #1
Box Score #2
Turlock, CA -- The Academy of Art University baseball team wrapped up its weekend series with Cal State Stanislaus by dropping a 17-2 decision in game one and falling 10-0 in game two of a Sunday doubleheader at Warrior Baseball Field. With the conclusion of the series, the Urban Knights fall to 0-3 on the season and the Warriors improve to 3-1.
“Our pitching did a better job and we've gotten better each game,” Head Coach Brian Guinn said. “We're starting to get game-ready as a team. Talent-wise we match up with the teams around the area, they're just game-ready and we are on our way.”
Junior outfielder Ryan Worley began the game with a walk and a stolen base, but he was later thrown out trying to steal third base. Stanislaus then jumped out to a 5-0 lead at the end of the first inning utilizing a three-run home run from third baseman Vince Hungerford. Four runs came from CSUS over the next four innings of play and the Warriors added two more separate four-run innings before the contest had finished en route to their 17-2 victory.
Though they trailed CSUS, the Knights rallied in the fifth inning. Sophomore designated hitter Kallen Fletcher drew a two-out walk followed by another walk to sophomore third baseman Brandon Kistler and after both runners advanced on a passed ball, Worley got to first base safely on an error by the Warriors' shortstop which allowed two runs to score.
“I think the new guys that came in are going to be definite contributors as we go along,” Coach Guinn said. “Kallen Fletcher swung the bat well and basically everyone contributed in some way.”
Strong pitching by the Warriors kept Academy of Art at bay in the second game, but it was two fielding errors by the Knights that gave the home team a greater lead. After Stanislaus had taken a two-run advantage with three hits in the first, two unearned runs were plated in the third following an infield throwing error and CSUS rallied to a 6-0 score.
AAU did have opportunities to get on the board, however, starting with a single and stolen base by sophomore centerfielder Johnathan Robbins in the third inning. Freshman third baseman Kenny Rollins, Jr. drew a walk in the Knights' next at-bat, but a double play prevented the score. In the fourth, junior designated hitter Chris Vargas began the inning with a walk and freshman catcher Chris Holmes then put his teammate into scoring position with a single. Unfortunately for Academy of Art, another inning-ending double play ensued.
Another unearned run came for Stanislaus in the fifth inning and the Warriors would convert three more runs in the sixth against Kistler, who had come in as a reliever, with their 10-0 victory. Junior starting right-handed Darnell Quinney (0-1) took the loss after going 5.0 innings and allowing seven runs (four earned) on seven hits with two strikeouts.
The visiting Urban Knights had a solid performance from sophomore second baseman Jared DePatto who was 2-for-4 in the first game. Also in game one, Fletcher came through with a 1-for-3 outing as well as one walk and one run scored. Worley batted in AAU's two runs after he beat out an error by the CSUS, but he was not credited with RBIs on the play. Although freshman right-handed pitcher Drew Sullivan-Hames (0-1) took the loss in the first game, he only allowed five earned runs out of nine and struck out three Warriors.
Cal State Stanislaus was led offensively by Hungerford. He had four RBIs in the first game and two more in the second contest by way of a 4-for-7 day. Designated hitter Casey Filkins was 4-for-7 in the two games with three runs scored and three RBIs. Right-hander Vinny Pacchetti got the win in the first game with 5.0 innings pitched, one hit allowed, and six strikeouts. Right-handed starting hurler Eric Cendejas improved to 1-0 on the season after 4.0 innings pitched with three hits allowed and six strikeouts in the second contest.
“As we continue to play, things will get much better,” Coach Guinn said. “We were in the last game, we just made some mental mistakes and ball didn't fall our way. Overall we are very happy with our progress, but we you have to give Stanislaus credit; they swung the bat well. It was important to come here and see where we are. We felt good about the progress and it was a chance for all the coaches to get to know players and for the players to get to know themselves. I think it was a good experience for everyone.”
Academy of Art University will be back in action this Friday, Feb. 12 when the Knights begin a two-game series versus Concordia University (CA) in Irvine, CA. The first game is scheduled to take place at 2:00 PM and the second contest follows on Feb. 13 beginning at 12:00 PM. Both games will be played at Eagles Field.
