Offensive outburst propels Chapman to victory

ORANGE, Calif. -  The Chapman University baseball team snapped a brief two-game skid with a decisive 11-2 victory over visiting Westmont College at Hart Park on Friday afternoon. The Panthers rallied from a fifth-inning 1-0 deficit to score 11 times over the next three innings for their most lopsided win of the season.

Senior IF Tristan Phillips went 3-for-5 with a two-run double in the sixth inning to lead Chapman (6-4) offensively. The Panthers added to a 5-1 lead in the seventh with a six-run inning, capped by junior DH Joe Lehman's three-run home run to left, his first of the season. Lehman finished the game 2-for-4.

Senior RHP Wayde Kitchens improved to 2-1 this season, tossing seven solid innings and allowing just one run. The two-time All-American struck out six batters while scattering six hits. Kitchens benefited from a pair of unusual double plays to get him out of jams in the fourth and fifth innings. Junior OF Ryan Prechtl started both twin-killings by doubling up Westmont runners at first base on fly balls.

Eight Chapman starters had at least one hit, including senior IF Patrick Ohail and freshman OF Eric Robbins who had two hits apiece.

The Panthers improved to 2-2 at Hart Park this season.