FULLERTON – Colby Moran and Spencer Davis slugged home runs and Tyler Tilton tossed a total gem in Hope International's 11-1 win against Embry-Riddle on Saturday at Amerige Park.
The Royals outscored the Eagles 44-2 in the four-game GSAC series, improving to 25-11 overall and maintaining their hold on first place in the conference at 16-4. HIU slammed nine home runs against ERAU pitching.
ERAU struggled with fielding all series, and the Royals capitalized in the first inning. Isaiah Lane reached base on a fielding error by the third baseman, and Hunter Essang doubled him home for the quick 1-0 lead. The Royals loaded the bases, and Eric Valdivia's base knock to left center plated Essang and Moran. HIU made it 4-0 on a Davis single to center as Cotto came around.
Tilton won his fourth straight start, a third inning ERAU run the only blemish in his outing. Jake Lokos scored Ty Cramer, who got on via a one-out hit by pitch, on a base hit to left field.
He walked none and struck out seven in an 83-pitch outing. He set down 10 of the final 12 Eagle hitters as the Royals wrapped up their second mercy-rule win of the series.
After the Royals scored single runs in the third and fourth via Davis and Essang RBI hits to increase their lead to 6-1, they invoked the mercy rule – aided by the long ball.
Moran smoked his third home run of the season – a towering three-run shot in the sixth – bringing in David Shackelford and Lane who got aboard on a hit by pitch and walk, respectively.
The lead ballooned to 10-1 in the seventh as Davis unloaded on ERAU reliever Lukas Barrett, depositing a 1-2 pitch far over the right field wall. The Royals put two runners aboard on a walk and single, and pinch hitter Matthew Ziroli ended the game on a base hit to left, scoring Nathan Estrada for the 11th run.
HIU finished with a 13-hit attack, as Davis went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Lane, Essang and Eddie Cotto all contributed two hits. Moran was 1-for-3 with three RBI.
The Royals take a break from GSAC play, as their only game next week is Tuesday, March 31 at Chapman. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
