MALIBU – The Loyola Marymount University Lions (14-22, 7-10 WCC) scored four runs in the top of the ninth to rally past Pepperdine 5-4 on Saturday afternoon to take the series against their West Coast Conference rivals.
 
The Lions turned the ball over to righty Matt McClure for the Saturday afternoon start and he put together a solid outing on the hill. McClure was able to pitch himself out of jams in the first and fourth innings courtesy of a pair of double plays turned by LMU, keeping the Lions within striking distance.
 
On the afternoon McClure threw four innings of seven hit baseball with a pair of strikeouts while surrendering two runs.
 
LMU trailed by a pair of runs heading into the visiting half of the sixth and got their first run off a Julian Bury single up the middle scoring Alex Lambeau. Lambeau started off the inning doubling down the left field line and moved over to third on a Waves wild pitch and scored easily on Bury's single.
 
The Lions found themselves down three runs heading into the top of the ninth and that's when the bats came alive.
 
LMU started off the ninth working three straight walks to load the bases. With the bases full Cole Roberts worked a six-pitch at bat for a fourth straight walk to bring in the Lions second run. With one down Lambeau drew LMU's fifth walk in the frame bringing in another run and setting the table for Kenny Oyama.
 
Oyama's bat proved to be the difference as his double to right center scored Matthew Piotrowski and Roberts propelling the Lions ahead by a run. LMU reloaded the bases but a double play ended the frame but the rally pushed the series in favor of the Lions.
 
Matt Voelker came on in relief in the ninth and ended the game on double play giving LMU the series victory.
 
The Lions will go for the series sweep tomorrow afternoon with first pitch slated at Eddy D. Field Stadium for 1:00 p.m.