SAN FRANCISCO - The No. 17 ranked Point Loma baseball team entered the ninth inning leading Academy of Art, 4-2, but could not close out the contest as they lost the final game of the series, 5-4, in extra innings.
 
This was the Sea Lions' first loss all season when leading after eight innings (8-1). PLNU built a 4-1 lead after five innings thanks to two unearned runs and a two-run, two-out double by Brett O'Toole in the fifth.
 
ART U cut into the lead with a run in the sixth, but still trailed by two entering the final frame. In the bottom of the ninth, Elijah Smith hit a solo home run to lead off the inning and then Angel Mora drew a walk with no outs. After he was sacrificed to second, pinch hitter Donnie Gardiner came through with a single to plate the tying run.
 
In the 10th, PLNU loaded the bases with two outs but were unable to push a run across. ART U then drew two walks to start the bottom of the inning and one out later Smith brought home the game-winning run on a double.
 
The Urban Knights' comeback spoiled a quality start by the Sea Lions' Stirling Strong. The junior left-hander went 6.0 innings allowing four hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out three. John Balliet was charged with the loss for the Sea Lions.
 
Gonzo Rios (3-1) earned the victory for the Urban Knights as he went 4.0 innings in relief. He allowed just one walk and two hits, while striking out six, to keep ART U in the game.

Team Records
#17 Point Loma (11-6, 2-1 PacWest), Academy of Art (9-5, 1-2 PacWest)
 
Words from coach James
On Gonzo Rios: "Rios was outstanding in relief. He limited the free bases and threw a lot of strikes. He made it difficult on us and allowed their offense to chip away at the lead. He had really good stuff today."
 
On PLNU's opportunities: "We had several opportunities, and we left a lot of runners on base."
 
On Brett O'Toole: "He has been a really good player for us and is clutch with runners on base. He has the knack for putting the ball in play and driving in runs. He has kept us in some games and allowed us to win some games late. He is continuing to get even better in his approach."
 
On Stirling Strong's start: "He pitched an outstanding game. He gave up only four hits and no walks. When your starting pitcher doesn't walk anyone it sets you up to be in the game regardless of the circumstances. He pounded the zone today and gave us a chance to win."
 
News and Notes
> The loss snaps a nine-game winning streak for PLNU against ART U
> Balliet's first loss as a Sea Lion came after 24 appearances out of the pen
> This was PLNU's first loss in a one-run game all year
> Point Loma is 6-0 when scoring six or more runs
> Point Loma is now 0-2 in its two extra inning games
> The Sea Lions are 5-0 when making zero errors and are 0-5 when making two or more
  
Up Next
Point Loma will now prepare to play a non-conference series with Azusa Pacific. The teams will play a doubleheader at PLNU on Friday, Mar. 8, before closing out the series with another doubleheader at Azusa Pacific on Saturday, Mar. 9.