February 24, 2006

Box Score

Carson, CA - CSUDH took its first lead of the baseball series with Cal State L.A. at 4-3 in the 7th inning, but the Toros could not contain the Golden Eagle offense, allowing four runs in the 8th in dropping an 8-4 decision. With the loss the Toros fall to 6-8 overall, and remain winless in CCAA conference action at 0-2. The No. 13 ranked Golden Eagles continue their perfect season, improving to 8-0, 2-0 CCAA.

CSULA would jump on Toro starter Jason Garcia (South Gate, CA/LA Harbor College) in the 2nd, pushing across three runs on two hits. Garcia would struggle to find his control in the inning, allowing two walks. Jeff Carroll would single to right field, driving in two runs to put the Golden Eagles on the scoreboard.

Garcia would settle and fall into a rhythm, allowing no hits over the next three innings before only giving up one hit in both the 6th and 7thinnings.

The Toro offense would begin their comeback in the 4th after a single by Isidro Perez (South Gate, CA/LA Harbor College) and an RBI double by Kyle Stanley (Buena Park, CA/Hawaii Pacific). Mateo Marquez (Biggs, CA/CSULA) would continue the hit barrage, driving in Stanley with a single to left field.

The Toros would tack on another run in the 5th inning on an RBI single by Houston Hernandez (La Mirada, CA/St. Paul HS) to tie the game at 3-3.

CSUDH would gain their first lead of the series two innings later off the bat of Hernandez, who placed down a picture perfect-squeeze to put the Toros up 4-3.

The lead would not last long as the Golden Eagles scored four runs in the top half of the 8th. A double to left field by R.J. Brown would score two runners and put CSULA back in front 5-4. The Golden Eagles would add an additional two runs in the inning and a single run the 9th to secure their win.

Manny Hernandez would earn the win in two innings of relief for the Golden Eagles, allowing one run on three hits.

At the plate, Jeff Carroll would do the most damage, driving in three runs on two hits. Matt Winkelman and Brown would also have two hits on the day.

Despite the rocky start, Garcia pitched well for the Toros, giving up three runs on only four hits in 7.0 innings of work.

Hernandez would lead the offense with three hits and two RBIs, while Marquez would chip in two hits and a stolen base on the afternoon.

The Toros will next be in action tomorrow when they travel to Cal State L.A. for a double header to conclude the four game series, with first pitch scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Reeder Field.