Chapman Flexes Its Home Run Muscle in Doubleheader Sweep

Chapman College downed the University of San Diego in a nonconference doubleheader at Hart Park Saturday, taking the first game, 9-3, and shutting out the Toreros in the nightcap, 3-0.

In the opener, Panther Scott Lockwood hit a three-run double to highlight a five-run first inning, and Chapman was never headed from there, although USD later closed to within two runs at 5-3.

Chapman’s power prevailed in the game as Scott Von Eps hit a solo home run in the fourth inning and Eli Amaya added a two-run homer in the seventh.

Starter Steve Dunn (1-4) picked up the win for Chapman, pitching five innings before giving way to a reliever.

Jeff Grotewald hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning for the Toreros, but it was hardly enough to overcome the big deficit.

In the second game, Chapman’s Dan Skarshaug hit a two-out, three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh and last inning to secure the win for reliever Mike Lomeli.

With the two victories, Chapman improved its record to 18-26, while the Toreros fell to 14-34-1.

In Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. play:

Cal State Fullerton 21-1, UC Santa Barbara 1-2: The Titans split a doubleheader with the Gauchos at Santa Barbara Saturday, winning the first game in a rout but getting edged in the nightcap by a single run.

In the first game, John Fishel led a 20-hit attack with a grand slam and five RBIs, and Andy Nieto went 4 for 6 with four RBIs. Mike Harkey (1-4) went the distance for his first win.

In the second game, the Gauchos broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning when Vince Pascua singled in Joe Kmak from third base. Mike Belanger (8-4) took the loss for the Titans.

Fullerton (15-8 and 30-27-1) is at UC Irvine Tuesday afternoon in a makeup game.