By Mateo Lopez, Mar. 1, 2022
On Feb. 22, the CPP men’s baseball team suffered a 12-4 loss to Biola University on a cold windy night at Scolinos Field. The defeat puts the Broncos overall and non-conference record at 5-4 entering the 40-game California Collegiate Athletic Association conference schedule.
The Broncos garnered four runs and three hits while drawing 10 walks. However, the Eagles would soar throughout the game scoring 12 runs off 17 hits.
“We got to get better, I got to coach better; it starts with me. I lead the ship and the ship wasn’t running well tonight,” said head coach Randy Betten. “I take every loss personal. The players win the games; I take all the losses. That’s how I have always coached, and that’s how I continue to coach.”
After an RBI base hit to left field by the Eagles in the first inning, the Broncos would tie the game in the second inning. Infielder Nick Lugo grounded into a double play to advance the runner from third base to tie the game at 1-1.
“I’ve just been seeing the ball well,” said Lugo. “I just feel like I have been going up there with a good approach, and I just want to keep this going.”
However, the Eagles offense exploded in the third, fourth and fifth innings tallying nine runs to extend their lead 10-1.
“We all came out here with the right mindset, but pretty much we just got out hit,” said Lugo. “We didn’t really do well with our bats today, and they did well with their bats. That’s what happened.”
The Broncos would come alive in the seventh inning after hits by outfielder Ricky Nuñez and Lugo. The team scored three runs off back-to-back walks and a wild pitch to make the game 10-4. The Eagles would answer back with two runs in the eighth inning, making it 12-4 to end the game.
“We didn’t give up even though we could have a lot earlier in the game,” said Nuñez. “We didn’t just give in which is good to see. I love the fight out of the team. I’m hoping we can keep it going.”
The Broncos are scheduled to host the Eagles later this season on March 22 and will return to Scolinos Field March 4 against the CSU Chico Wildcats.
Featured photo courtesy of CPP Athletics.
