Box Score 1

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific received a strong performances by each of its starting pitchers on Saturday to win both games of the doubleheader and take the four-game series from the Sea Lions. FPU won the opener 4-3 and the nightcap 4-0.
 
PLNU (19-18, 10-10 PacWest) and FPU (22-16, 10-10 PacWest) are now tied for fifth in the Pacific West Conference standings after the Sunbirds took the final three games in this four-game series.
 
Game 1
Point Loma broke up Drew Merlo's no-hit bid in a big way with three runs in the eighth inning, but the Sea Lions' late rally fell short as Fresno Pacific won 4-3. Merlo finished the game with three hits and three runs (two earned) allowed in eight innings pitched while striking out seven and walking two.
 
PLNU entered the eighth trailing 4-0 before pinch hitter Kyle Desimone broke up the no-hitter with a one-out single to center field. Following a walk to Michael Randel, pinch hitter Tanner Handa singled to right field and Desimone raced around to score when the right fielder made an error on the throw-in.
 
With PLNU now down 4-1 and runner at second and third after the errant throw, Clinton Harwick delivered a single to drive in both runners and cut the Sunbirds' lead to just one at 4-3.  
 
In the ninth, Tyler Nordgren drew a four-pitch walk to lead off the inning before James Lagorio got the next three outs in a row for his second save of the season.
 
Game 2
Fresno Pacific scored all four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to spoil a strong start from PLNU senior Garret Levsen who was outdueled by FPU's starter Eian Raeber.
 
Levsen was cruising along for the first five innings, allowing just two hits, but in the sixth things went downhill. Levsen quickly retired the first two batters of the inning, the eighth and ninth consecutive Sunbird he set down in order, but the third out eluded him and the Sea Lions.
 
First leadoff batter Michael Tittle walked and after a hit by pitch and an infield single, FPU had the bases loaded. Kaohu Gaspar came through with a single to right field which plated two on the hit, but PLNU then threw the ball away to clear the bases and allow Gaspar to come all the way around to score. That play was the only run scoring play of the nightcap.
 
Raeber threw just the second shutout of the season against the Sea Lions. He went all seven innings allowing just four hits and three walks while striking out four to improve to 4-2 on the season.
 
Levsen slipped to 4-2 this year after being charged with six hits and four runs (three earned) in 5.2 innings.
 
Next games
Point Loma will now head to California Baptist for a four-game series starting on Thursday, Apr. 17 and continuing through Saturday, Apr. 19.