RIVERSIDE — The Wildcats staged a late comeback but ultimately fell to California Baptist in a 9–8 thriller Thursday night at Totman Stadium.
The Wildcats trailed 8–1 after five innings but clawed back with a four-run ninth inning that brought the tying run to the plate before the rally was cut short.
ACU's offense was led by Benjamin Greer, who crushed two home runs, driving in three runs and scoring twice. Diego Cardenas also delivered with three RBIs, including a two-run single in the ninth that made it a one-run game.
The Lancers did most of its damage in the early innings, highlighted by four home runs — solo shots from Andrew Walters, Jake Brown (who had two HRs), Nick Dumesnil, and a two-run blast by Connor Ross. Dumesnil's three-run shot in the fifth was a key blow in building an 8–1 lead.
After narrowing the gap to 8–4 entering the ninth, the Wildcats surged with a walk, a single, and a two-run double by Reese Borho. Cardenas followed with a clutch two-run single to make it 9–8, but CBU closer Nico Urquidi shut the door with a strikeout to earn the win.
ACU totaled eight hits — one each from eight players — and drew four walks, but also struck out 15 times.
The Wildcats take on the Lancers once again in the second game of the series on Saturday. First pitch is at 8:00 p.m. CT.
