Biola Hangs On For 5-3 Win Over Toros

Box Score

La Mirada, CA -- Host Biola scored five runs in a span of two innings, and that was enough in the 4th-ranked Eagles' 5-3 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills in non-conference baseball action on Eagles Diamond, evening the Toros' overall record to 4-4.

The Toros had an early chance after Carlos Leyva singled and stole second to begin the game, but a strikeout, fly out and ground out stranded the speedster at second, ending the top half of the first.

The contest remained scoreless until the top of the 5th when Dean Benavidez singled to lead off the frame, and advanced to third on an error on the Biola second baseman on a sacrifice bunt, eventually coming in to score the game's first run on a Leyva sacrifice fly.

CSUDH's lead didn't last long, however, as Hawkins Gebbers sent an 0-1 pitch from Toro starter Phillip Van Doren over the wall to tie the game, starting a rally that saw BU put across another run on a Taylor Loop RBI double.

After Jon Alia (pictured) homered to lead off the 6th to tie the game at 2-2, the Eagles loaded the bases on three-consecutive two-out walks, and brought them all in on a Vinnie Fayard bases-clearing double to take the lead for good.

The Toros rallied for another run in the 7th on Brandon Hayes pinch-hit RBI single, but it was too little too late as the Eagle relievers retired seven of the final eight batters they faced in BU's 5-3 win.

Alia led the Toro offense with two hits and a home run, while starter Van Doren (0-2) was saddled with the loss after tossing 5.2 innings and allowing four earned runs in his outing.

The Toros, now 4-4 overall, travel south for a double-header at Cal State San Marcos on Saturday, February 14, with first pitch set for 11:00 am.

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