MALIBU, Calif. - LMU secured a key 5-2 road victory over Pepperdine on Friday afternoon, setting up a pivotal final day of the regular season with West Coast Conference Tournament seeding still up for grabs.
The Lions took control with a four-run fourth inning and leaned on a strong showing from their pitching staff to keep the Waves in check at Eddy D. Field Stadium.
On the mound, Avery Laine (5-1) earned the win with five shutout innings, allowing five hits while striking out three. Four relievers combined to limit Pepperdine to two late runs on five hits the rest of the way.
The Lions stole five bases in the game and turned a pair of double plays defensively. Williams finished with two steals, while Ornelas and Cam Hassert each scored a run and swiped one.
Pepperdine tallied 10 hits but left 10 runners on base and committed two errors.
Up Next:
The regular season wraps up Saturday as LMU faces Pepperdine in the series finale. The Lions have clinched a spot in the six-team WCC Tournament, but Saturday's outcome, along with the result of Gonzaga vs. Portland-will determine final seeding heading into next week's championship in Las Vegas.
