AZUSA, Calif. – Academy of Art put together two runs in each game of Friday's doubleheader, but they could not overcome a stout Cougars offense as the Urban Knights dropped the twin bill.
 
GAME ONE: APU 10, ART U 2
 
Similar to game one, the Cougars got on the board early on, plating three runs after two innings. Those were the only three earned runs that starter, senior left-hander Alex Fernandez would surrender and he only allowed five hits through the first five innings.
 
Azusa Pacific scored five more runs in the sixth, but all were unearned, coming after a pair of ART U errors were recorded in the inning. Junior righty Gonzo Rios took over pitching duties in the seventh inning and APU managed to score their final two runs in the frame, coming off of four hits.
 
Entering the eighth inning, the Urban Knights had yet to record a hit, but junior catcher Zak May broke up Layne Henderson's no-hit bid when he hit a two-run home run to right center, scoring freshman Noah Daubin who had walked in a pinch-hit appearance.
 
GAME TWO: APU 10, ART U 2
 
The Cougars struck early and often once again, scoring six runs in the first three innings.
 
Entering the top of the sixth, the Urban Knights trailed 8-0, but they managed to fight back with three runners reaching base in the frame: senior infielder Taylor Martin led off the inning with a single to center field which was followed by a double from junior designated hitter Donnie Gardiner two batters later. Now, with runners at second and third, freshman outfielder Noah Daubin drove in the Knights' first run of the game with an RBI groundout to the pitcher. Next, came senior catcher Marciano Reichel who produced a clutch single to right center to drive in Gardiner from second.  
 
However, Azusa Pacific came right back, responding with two runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth to regain their 8-run lead (10-2).
 
Entering the seventh with their last chance for a comeback, Academy of Art managed to get on base when senior Brennan Mauchline recorded a hit in a pinch-hit at-bat. Mauchline would not progress however, as junior infielder Tanner Marchant grounded out to second to end the contest.
 
ART U and Azusa Pacific will face each other once more in Saturday's series finale which will take place at Noon. Click here for live stats.