Connor Taylor - FCA
Game 1
The Shepherds came out energetic Saturday morning to start the doubleheader matchup vs. the Redbirds. They took a six nothing lead heading in fifth inning with multiple batters hitting well including Colton Back and Maaki Yamazaki. Back went three for five during the game and Yamazaki went two for four on the day. The game was a different story after the seventh inning with the Redbirds leading the Shepherds 9-7. The Shepherds crawled back by tying the game up at nine in the ninth inning, but ultimately fell short in the bottom of the ninth losing 10-9.
Game 2
The second game was a back and forth matchup with both teams fighting for the coveted one seed in the playoffs. The Shepherds again started strong offensively while putting up five runs through four innings. Maaki Yamazaki had another solid outing while going four for five with two RBIs. RJ Lan was another player who played well in the second game while going three for four and three RBIs. Ultimately, pitching struggled for the Shepherds as the team changed pitchers six times. As always, the Shepherds fought hard to take the lead heading into the bottom of the ninth by putting up a five spot in the top of the ninth. The score now 11-10 Shepherds. They eventually fell though 12-11 as the Redbirds found a way to scrap another win out on the day.
Up Next
The Shepherds enter playoff baseball on Tuesday at Biola University against the Legends with an approximate start time of 1 p.m.