RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Simpson University baseball notched a pair of key victories in conference play Friday, taking down La Sierra, 16-5 and 14-8.
The fight for the third and final playoff spot in the Cal Pac is on as the Red Hawks are five games back of Marymount, with still 13 games to play.
Simpson's bats have been a key all season long and Friday, it was more of the same, but got some help from some excellent pitching.
Cody Coggins recorded the game one victory, throwing six innings and striking out 10 La Sierra batters. A flurry of hits came for Simpson in game one, recording 19 hits and a season-high four homeruns.
Creed Smith blasted two round-trippers in his 3-5 outing while
Michael Driscoll and
Logan Gomes both went yard in the Red Hawks hitting clinic.
Simpson didn't slow down in game two.
Christopher Brue gave outfielders lots of chase, as he doubled twice and homered in his 3-5 day.
Logan Gomes went yard again for the Red Hawks in game two, driving in three to give Simpson the lead in the 5th.
With the wins, SU creeps closer to that .500 marker that would be a program best for win total in a season. Simpson also leapfrogged La Sierra in the conference standings and will look to put them in the rearview mirror on Sunday as the Red Hawks go for the series sweep.
Lots of baseball is still to be played in this season and Simpson University baseball is on a mission to get to the Cal Pac playoffs.
How can the Red Hawks get that final playoff spot? With 13 games left, if Simpson can win its next four games (one vs. La Sierra, three vs. Providence Christian) that could put the Red Hawks in a very solid spot when they face Marymount (3rd place) on April 13th and 14th.
But first Simpson will focus on sweeping La Sierra, as the two clubs will be back at it on Sunday for an 11 am first pitch time in Riverside, Calif.
