LOS ANGELES – The LMU Lions showcased resilience and late-game execution over the weekend, taking two of three games against the San Diego Toreros in a thrilling West Coast Conference series at Page Stadium. The series finale on Sunday saw the Lions battle back to claim a 5-4 victory, powered by a dominant bullpen performance and timely hitting.
Coming off a Friday night win fueled by offensive firepower, LMU demonstrated its ability to win in multiple ways. While power played a key role early in the series, Sunday’s victory was a testament to execution, situational hitting, and defensive discipline—elements that define a well-rounded team.
Defensive Gems Keep the Lions in Contention
LMU’s defense delivered in the clutch, preventing multiple runs with highlight-worthy plays. In the first inning, left fielder Zion Williams (#7) and infielder Cam Hassert (#5) executed a textbook relay to cut down a runner at home, setting the tone for a tight defensive battle. The second inning ended in similarly dramatic fashion, as DJ Ghiorso (#18) ranged to his right, fielded a ball deep in the infield, and fired home to catch a runner ten feet from the plate.
Bullpen Delivers Under Pressure
After starting pitcher Avery Laine (#55) battled through four innings, allowing three runs, the LMU bullpen took over and silenced San Diego’s offense. Left-hander Sam Brady (#39) threw two scoreless innings, relying on a sharp breaking ball, while Cole Stucky (#45) carried the Lions into the ninth with 2.2 innings of relief. Though he allowed his first run of the season in the final frame, Stucky handed the ball to closer Zack Mack (#14), who wasted no time shutting the door with a three-pitch strikeout, his fastball hitting 95 mph to seal the win.
Timely Hits Secure the Series
After falling behind 2-0 early, the Lions chipped away at the deficit. Ghiorso’s third-inning RBI single put LMU on the board before a sixth-inning rally tied the game. Nate Savoie (#99) delivered a clutch two-run double off the iconic “Blue Monster” in left field, swinging momentum in the Lions’ favor.
The go-ahead run came in the seventh, as Savoie continued his hot streak with another well-placed hit, scoring Beau Ankeney (#22). In the eighth, LMU manufactured a crucial insurance run with small ball, as Ghiorso executed a perfectly placed safety squeeze bunt, allowing Robbie Ayers (#19) to score. That extra run proved vital, as San Diego threatened in the ninth before Mack’s emphatic strikeout ended the game.
Looking Ahead
With the series win, LMU improves to 14-10 overall and 2-1 in WCC play. The Lions will face a tough midweek test against UCLA on Tuesday night at Jackie Robinson Stadium before heading to Portland for another conference showdown.
Fans can catch the action live or follow along with stats and updates at lmulions.com.
