Tyson Miller, sophomore communication studies major, pitches at a scrimmage against University of California at Riverside. Miller was instrumental in the Lancers’ ability to score big in their scrimmage against their Division I opponent. Grace Allen | Banner
Although baseball season at California Baptist University is still four months away, the Lancers won a scrimmage 11-2 against the University of California at Riverside Highlanders Oct. 25.
The NCAA Division I Highlanders use to be a regular opponent for the Lancers, but competition between the two teams ceased in 1999 after meeting on a yearly basis since 1987. The scrimmage, which took place at the Riverside Sports Complex, was the first time the teams squared off against one another in more than 10 years.
The game did not have a set number of innings. The two teams agreed upon a specific amount of hours to play, and the game would be over after those hours were fulfilled.
Despite the game only being a scrimmage, it did not keep the Lancers from coming out in full force on the field.
In the second inning, the Lancers took an early lead in the game by scoring two runs on the Highlanders. UCR was able to score two runs in the eighth inning, but the Lancers were up an additional three runs.
The match continued well into a 12th inning as CBU racked up a total of 11 runs while UCR held steady at only 2.
Gary Adcock, head coach for the CBU baseball team, said he has seen some much-needed improvements in the Lancers.
“At times last year I felt we lacked starting pitching depth, as well as the ability to score runs,” Adcock said. “Early on this fall those areas seem to have improved with the work being put in from both the returners and the new players.”
The team has six new transfers and six freshman on this season’s roster, and they have melded well with the program, bringing a sense of more balance to the entire team. In addition to the new players, there are a few returners who have stepped up their game this fall.
“Andrew Montoya and Antonio Chavarria had great days at the plate, and Adam Hofacket and Tyson Miller stood out on the mound,” Adcock said. “All four of them are returners from last year’s club, and we expect great things from each of them this upcoming season.”
