FULLERTON, CALIF. – It was another tough day offensively for the Embry-Riddle baseball team as they dropped its opening two games in a series against No. 10 Hope International. The Eagles were able to keep both games close until big innings allowed the Royals to pull away for a pair of victories.

#10 Hope International 6, Embry-Riddle 1

After falling behind 2-0 in the fourth inning, the Eagles immediately cut that lead in half in the top of the fifth. Luke Jepsen led off the frame with a single up the middle, then eventually came around on a two-out RBI from Miles Murphy.

While that was the only run ERAU scored in the contest, they did have an opportunity in the seventh to climb back into the game. Jepsen and Owen Cain each singled to start the inning, but were unable to score as the next three hitters were retired.

#10 Hope International 10, Embry-Riddle 2

The Eagles got off to a great start in the final contest of the day, scoring twice in the first inning. Travis Strickler smashed a solo home run to right field, then Jepsen reached and came all the way around to score on an error.

After the Royals scored one in the third, ERAU was able to take a 2-1 lead into the fifth needing just nine more outs for a victory. Hope International strung together hits and took advantage of Eagle mistakes to score eight runs in the bottom of the fifth and pull away for the win.

Roberto Garza-Nunez was the Eagle to have the multi-hit game this time around, going 2-for-2, both knocks being singles. Garza-Nunez also walked once, reaching base in all three of his plate appearances.

Cole Altherr had an excellent day in his first career start for ERAU, as he allowed just three hits and one run while striking out six in 4.0 innings. Zack Bauer also turned in a scoreless outing, getting both of his out via the strikeout on Friday afternoon.

The Eagles will go for the series split against Hope International on Saturday afternoon in another doubleheader. The first game of the two-contest day is set for Noon AZT/11 a.m. PST.