Despite allowing only one run in the first six innings, Westmont Baseball (5-24, 3-20) couldn't contain the Lions of Vanguard (15-11, 12-10) in the final three innings and suffered a 12-4 loss at Russ Carr Field on Wednesday.

Westmont starter Erik Gaustad pitched six and one-third innings allowing only three runs on seven hits, but the Warrior's bull pen allowed nine runs to score, eight of which were earned, in the final two and two-thirds innings while giving up 12 hits.

The Warriors scored a single run in the bottom of the first inning to post an early 1-0 lead. Junior shortstop Anthony Martinez led off with a single to center field and then advance to second when junior second baseman Philip Valle was struck by a pitch. Freshman catcher Luke Montzingo also was hit by a pitch and the Warriors found themselves with the bases loaded with two out.

A balk by Vanguard pitcher Richard Jessup allowed Martinez to score, but the Warriors were unable to push any more runs across the plate. Jessup, who pitched all nine innings and earned the win for Vanguard, allowed four runs on eleven hits. He struck out three without allowing a walk.

Vanguard tied the score in the top of the fifth inning off an RBI single by Nick Vaughn which allowed Keegan Freeman to score from third base. The top of the seventh proved to be the beginning of the end for the Warriors. After Gaustad gave up a single to Zachary Leighton to start the inning and then struck out Freeman. But a double by Luke Iverson brought an end to Gaustand's day on the mound. Unfortunately, the Warrior pen could not stop the bleeding as Westmont gave up a total of four runs in the seventh, three in the eighth and four in the ninth.

Westmont scored two runs in the seventh after sophomore first baseman David Stout opened the inning with a double to right center. Senior third baseman Andy Dude moved Stout over to second with a single into left field. Stout then scored on an RBI ground ball to first by sophomore left fielder Nate Dreesmann. Dude crossed the plate on a single through the left side by Martinez. Stout, who entered the game in the top of the sixth inning, was two for two at the plate.

The Warriors added another run in the bottom of the ninth inning. With one away, Dreesmann singled to left field. One out later, junior center fielder Jon White kept the inning alive with a single up the left field line which advanced Dreesmann to second base. Valle produced his second single of the day to scored Dreesmann from second base. However, the inning ended when Gaustad, who remained in the game as the designated hitter, struck out.

The Warriors and Lions will meet again tomorrow but will move the venue to Costa Mesa. First pitch is at 2:30 p.m.