LA, Calif. - Nighthawks take game four and get their first series win of the season, as they win 9-3 in Los Angeles. A strong game front to finish for NNU as they start the journey home for a quick stop in Nampa before heading back to California next weekend.
Win 9-3 (H. Crews 1-0)
The Nighthawks offense had yet another smooth game today, as they out scored, walked, and hit the Golden Eagles. The Nighthawk offense got started after a scoreless two innings as they were able to push two runs across in response to LA getting a run off of the starter.
In the bottom of the third inning the Golden Eagles were able to respond and tie the game back up at two a piece and get two quick outs in the top of the fourth. However the Nighthawks were able to get a two out rally going as they were able to get three runs across with two outs. Liam Herrera was able to get a single with one out before Carter Walsh hit into a fielder's choice, as Cal State LA was able to get Herrera out at second, but unable to turn a double play with Walsh's speed. Carter would then use that speed to steal second, one of four stolen bags Walsh got on the day.
Parker Sobiesiak would then single, scoring Walsh. Gavin Brubaker would then follow Sobiesiak up with a double in the right center gap as Parker would then score all the way from first. And finally Kaleb Karpstein would hit a single through the right side and score Gavin from second before the Golden Eagles were able to get out of the inning.
The Golden Eagles would again respond, getting another run off of the starter before head coach Joe Schaefer would pull his starter and bring in the first reliever of the game. This move would prove smart and effective as the Nighthawks pitching staff would keep the Golden Eagles off the scoreboard for the rest of the game.
A.J. Hendrickson would start today's game on the bump, going out and giving a good outing for NNU. Hendrickson would throw 3.1 innings, allowing 3 runs to come across, one of which off of an error from the teams defense. Hendricks would face 18 batters and only allow five hits and getting one strikeout.
Hayden Crews would come on out of the pen in the fourth with traffic on the bases and one out, one run already in the inning. Crews would throw one pitch and get a ground ball that the defense was able to turn to get two outs and out of the fourth inning.
Crews would have a fantastic outing on his way to the win, as he would throw 4.2 innings, only allowing three hits and getting six punchouts, only facing 17 Golden Eagle batters. Crews wouldn't allow a single run to come across, keeping the LA offense quiet.
Wade Duncan would come on in to throw the bottom of the ninth once again. Duncan threw the bottom of the seventh in yesterday's seven inning matchup in game two of yesterday's double header and had a very similar outing. Duncan would once again throw one inning, giving up no runs, and striking out three batters to end the game.
Overall the Nighthawks offense outplayed the Golden Eagles in the four major categories, scoring 53 runs, getting 45 RBIs, on 50 hits, and 31 walks. Nighthawks pitching kept LA at bay, even after a tough game 2, only allowing 26 runs and 22 RBIs on 42 hits and 15 walks.
Nighthawks move to a 7-3 record, as they get ready for the last weekend away from home and their last weekend before conference play starts. The Nighthawks will be heading to Cal State Monterey Bay for a weekend rematch of the 2025 Super Regional tournament, where the Nighthawks were able to win the first two games in the best of three tournament to punch their ticket to the 2025 D2 World Series.
The schedule for next weekend is similar to this weekend, as they will play game one on Thursday night, a double header on Friday, and then one game on Saturday to wrap up the four game series. First Pitch for Friday's game will be at 3pm Mountain Time.
Nighthawks of the Day:
Coleman Parry: 4-5, 3 RBIs, 4 Doubles
Gavin Brubaker: 3-4, 2 RBIs, 3 R, 2 2B, BB
Carter Walsh: 2-4, 4 SB, 3 R, BB
Hayden Crews - Win: 4.2 Ip, 0 ER, 6 SO, 3 H
