The Socal Sparrows tied the Socal Shepherds 7-7 on Wednesday in their season opener at Vanguard University.

After falling behind 4-0, the Sparrows showcased great heart plating five in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead.

They increased the margin to 7-4 in the 8th, but unfortunately couldn't close out the victory, allowing three in the ninth.

Cody Aherens (Hope International) finished 2-2 with two RBI. Mark Strebin (McPherson College) belted two hits, scored twice and knocked in one RBI. Tyler Murray (Hawaii) led the team with three hits, two RBI and scored twice.

Carson Conradt (Cairn University) tossed three shutout innings and struck out two.

The Sparrows next game is 4:30 p.m. Friday at Vanguard University against the Solana Beach Red Birds. The game will be broadcast live on Facebook.