STOCKTON, Calif. – Redshirt sophomore
Andrew Sloan drove in a career-high four runs as the Pacific baseball program secured a sweep over South Dakota State with a 6-3 victory Sunday at Klein Family Field.
The Tigers (6-2) completed the sweep with some pop from the middle of the order to ultimately take the finale over the Jackrabbits (0-4). This weekend's sweep marks the first time the Tigers have accomplished the feat since Feb. 18-20, 2022, against Northern Colorado.
"It feels great," head coach
Reed Peters said. "I thought our guys did a great job competing, moving up base runners and Sloan came up with the big hit. I felt really good about our at-bats this weekend. Overall, a pretty good series."
The 4-5-6 trio of redshirt senior
JT Waldon, junior
Jake Tandy and Sloan combined for six hits, five extra-base hits, four runs, two home runs and six RBIs to power Pacific at the plate. Waldon and Sloan each crushed two-run home runs, providing life to the Tigers' offense early and often. Freshman
Diego Davis picked up his first collegiate multi-hit game (2-for-4) while redshirt sophomore
Park Romney laced his first hit as a Tiger. In addition to the offense, Sloan caught two Jackrabbits stealing in the afternoon, eliminating key scoring opportunities for the visitors midway through the contest.
Senior
Jakob Guardado (1-0) turned in a strong performance for his second start this season, throwing 5.2 innings with two earned runs and five strikeouts. The five strikeouts tied a career-high for Guardado when he registered that number against Minnesota last season on March 4. Sophomore
Regan Carter picked up his first career save, getting a pivotal final out to shut the door on the sweep.
Arlen Peters (0-1) from South Dakota State gave up four runs in 4.0 innings. Luke Luskey had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs and two RBIs.
Pacific struck in the top of the first inning as Waldon crushed his second home run of the season to give the home team a 2-0 lead. Sloan joined the party, connecting on a two-run shot of his own in the bottom of the fourth to put the Tigers up, 4-0.
The Jackrabbits rallied to score a pair in the top of the sixth, but Sloan stayed hot at the plate, roping a two-RBI single with the bases loaded to extend the Tigers' edge to 6-2.
Despite entering the game in a high-pressure situation in the top of the ninth, Carter escaped the jam to put the cherry on top of a sweep at home.
With Sunday's victory, the Tigers are off to their best start since 2019 in which they were 7-1 through eight games.
Pacific will host its first midweek matchup of the season against UC Davis Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Klein Family Field.
Tigers Tickets
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PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.
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