pitching performance lifted LMU Baseball to a three-game sweep of San Francisco this past weekend at Benedetti Diamond, highlighted by a trio of long balls on Friday, four more on Saturday, and a dramatic 11-inning victory to cap things off Sunday.
Friday: Lions Launch Late, Win 6-3 Behind Williams’ Slam
After a quiet start, LMU’s bats roared to life in the fifth inning when Zion Williams crushed a go-ahead grand slam deep to left center—his first of two home runs on the weekend. The Lions scored all six of their runs in a single frame and leaned on strong relief from Dylan Cohen and closer CJ Fernstrom to hold off the Dons.
Saturday: Lions Go Deep Again, Dominate 12-4
LMU left no doubt in game two, blasting four home runs—including a three-run shot from Nate Savoie, a two-run blast from Beau Ankeney, and a towering three-run bomb by Williams. Colby Wallace added his first homer of the season in the ninth to cap a 13-hit day. Right-hander Zack Mack silenced the Dons from the mound, striking out 10 over five dominant innings to earn his third win.
Sunday: Extra-Inning Heroics Secure the Sweep
In the most dramatic game of the weekend, James Bose and Zion Williams provided the extra-inning fireworks. Bose broke a 6-6 tie with a solo homer to open the 11th, then Williams followed with a three-run blast—his second of the series—to put it away. Beau Ankeney went 4-for-6 with a solo shot, and LMU’s bullpen combined for six strong innings, including a clutch bases-loaded escape in the bottom of the 11th by Austin Schroeder and Alex Chavez.
By the Numbers
- Zion Williams: 3 HRs, 8 RBIs over the series
- Beau Ankeney: Homers in back-to-back games, 7 hits, 5 runs scored
- Team HRs: 11 in three games
- Pitching: 6 scoreless relief innings Sunday, 10 Ks from Mack Saturday
With the sweep, the Lions improve to 19-17 overall and surge above .500 in WCC play. LMU heads to UC Irvine on Tuesday before returning home next weekend for a critical conference matchup.
With the series sweep, LMU not only improves to 19-17 overall but also gains crucial momentum in West Coast Conference play. The Lions’ offense exploded for 28 runs across three games, powered by timely home runs and consistent production throughout the lineup. Just as impactful, the bullpen delivered under pressure—especially in Sunday’s extra-inning thriller. Zion Williams led the charge with three homers on the weekend, while Beau Ankeney and James Bose each stepped up in big moments. With confidence high and the bats heating up, LMU now looks ahead to a midweek clash at UC Irvine before returning home for more WCC action.
