OAKLAND, Calif. – The winning run touched third twice in the ninth inning of game one of Saturday's doubleheader between Academy of Art and Central Washington. However, the Urban Knights could not pull through, eventually falling in the 10th frame and later dropped game two to the Wildcats.
 
GAME ONE:
 
Making his third start of the season, senior right hander Brett Bovee surrendered a pair of runs in the first inning off of three hits. Central Washington was able to hold ART U scoreless over the first three frames and added on a third run in the fourth before the Urban Knights were able to get on the board: in the bottom of the fourth with a pair of runners on, junior infielder Brennan Mauchline punched a single through the left side to drive in junior infielder Taylor Martin. The run made it a 3-1 game and marked a comeback which was completed three innings later.
 
After the first frame, Bovee settled down to only allow one run in the second through sixth innings. His efforts allowed the Urban Knights to step to the plate in the seventh with just a two-run deficit. After compiling three hits and sending nine batters to the plate, ART U was able to complete the comeback thanks to runs batted in by junior infielder Michael Maleski and junior catcher Marciano Reichel.
 
Heading into the ninth, Academy of Art looked to find the big hit which would allow them to walk off to victory. With one out and junior outfielder Alex Fernandez on second, senior infielder Erick Luna singled through the right side. Without hesitation, Fernandez rounded third and raced home. However, an accurate throw from the right fielder caught Fernandez five steps in front of home plate. Now with two outs, the Knights were able to load the bases, but the Wildcats induced a popup to end the inning and sent the game in extras.
 
CWU quickly took the lead in the 10th however, as James Smith was able to hit a two-out, solo home run over the left-field fence. Mauchline led off the bottom of the frame with a double to left-center field and ART U sent five players to the plate, but the Urban Knights were unable to respond and eventually fell 4-3.
 
Fernandez was dominant at the plate, going 3-for-5. Mauchline was 2-for-3 with a run batted in and Reichel was 1-for-2 with an RBI and three walks. Bovee finished his outing with a quality start: 6.0 innings pitched, three runs (earned) on seven hits with five strikeouts and three walks.
 
GAME TWO:
 
In game two, the Wildcats' starting pitcher Mackenzie Gaul stole the show. Gaul went the distance, recording 7.0 innings pitched without allowing a run and only surrendered four hits. Of the four, junior catcher Tyler Harry collected two while Luna and Martin both collected one apiece.
 
After an impressive game one at the plate, Fernandez took the mound in the second contest. The Napa, Calif. native tossed 4.2 innings and allowed three runs on five hits and struck out two. Senior right hander Josh Lopez finished the remaining 2.1 innings with a strong outing. The righty allowed just one run off of three hits, struck out three batters, and walked one.
 
Academy of Art will return to Laney College for another double header on Sunday starting at noon, closing out the series with Central Washington.