Fullerton, CA – The Hope International University baseball team (0-1) dropped its season opener 4-3 on Tuesday evening at Duane Winters Field in Fullerton, CA.

Ryan Lachemann got the start and pitched two innings while allowing two runs on three hits while walking one and striking out four. Raul Herrada (0-1) took the loss in relief pitching 2/3 of an inning while allowing one run on two hits while walking one. David Rivera led the Royals offense going 2-for-5 with one home run.

The Golden Eagles jumped on top early with a two run home run to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The Royals failed to answer in the bottom of the first but they also continued to hold the Golden Eagles at bay as they trailed 2-0 going into the bottom of the fifth. David Rivera then stepped to the plate and crushed his first home run over the center field wall to make it 2-1.

That lead wouldn't last long though as the Golden Eagles reestablished their two run lead with a home run to lead off the top of the sixth and make it 3-1. The Royals continued to battle and with two outs in the bottom of the sixth Chase Hanson laced an RBI double to left field to make it 3-2. The Royals would then tie the game on a wild pitch to make it 3-3.

Once again it was the Golden Eagles who jumped right back on top with a two out RBI double in the top of the seventh to make it 4-3. The Royals would threaten in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings as they got a runner on second with two outs but were unable to cash in as they fell 4-3.

The Royals continue their season at home as they host Westcliff on Friday, February 3 with a double header beginning at 11:00 AM at Duane Winters Field in Fullerton, CA.