FULLERTON, CALIF. – The first two games against a ranked opponent did not go well for the Embry-Riddle baseball team, as the Eagles were swept by Hope International on Saturday. The 16^th-ranked Royals showed off its offensive firepower, outscoring ERAU 24-4 in the games.

Game 1: (16) Hope International 15, Embry-Riddle 3

HIU wasted no time getting on the board, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Eagles committed an error on the first batter, and got the inning to two outs before the runner came across to score.

That first run came on an error, and the Royals struck six more times with two out. The big blow was the grand slam from Greg Lamb, putting the Eagles in the 7-0 hole early.

Embry-Riddle cut into the lead at the top of the second frame, scoring three in its immediate answer from the previous half-inning. Carson Solie had an RBI single, then with the bases loaded, Gavin Botts drove in a pair with a two-out single.

While the Eagles cut some of the momentum, the second inning would be the last time they would score in Game 1. The Royals scored eight runs in the 4-6 innings to pull away for its seventh victory of the season.

Botts and Solie each had a two-hit game, and drove in the runs for ERAU. Luke Jepsen and Roberto Garza-Nunez got on base twice as well, recording a hit and a walk each.

Game 2: (16) Hope International 9, Embry-Riddle 1

The Eagles did not score its lone run until the ninth inning, and another big inning from the Royals put the game out of reach. Embry-Riddle were only down three heading into the sixth inning, but HIU managed six runs and, with the game being just seven innings, left the ERAU with three out to dig out of the big hole.

The Eagles were able to get baserunners thanks to an error, a walk, and a base hit, and Jacob Aguirre scored on a passed ball. Aguirre advanced around the bases twice thanks to the passed ball, getting to second on a similar play he eventually scored on.

ERAU was able to get baserunners on despite getting just two hits, as the Eagles were able to draw five walks as well. Carson Ramocinski's hit streak may have come to an end, but he did get on twice thanks to patient at bats. Alec Hagopian had a good two innings on the mound, giving up just three hits and a walk in his second game of the day.

The Eagles get back on the field tomorrow morning for another doubleheader with the Royals. First pitch in Game 1 from Fullerton is scheduled for 11 a.m. AZ Time.