Bats Remain Hot as CSUDH Takes 8-7 Win Over Vanguard

Toros start 2-0 for first time since 2005

Box Score

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Carson, CA -- Coming off a 15-2 thrashing over Cal State L.A. in a non-conference season opener yesterday, the Toros put up 8 more runs over a game Vanguard squad this afternoon, and it was barely enough in CSUDH's 8-7 win over the Lions. Junior Michael Cruz picked up his first win as a Toro, allowing one run in tossing 5.1 innings of work with 5 strikeouts as CSUDH collected its second win to start the season, the first time the Toros have gone 2-0 since 2005.

Facing a 2-0 hole in the bottom of the second, a Paul-Michael Klingsberg leadoff single got the offense started for the Toros, advancing to second on a ground out, to third on a Carlos Leyva single and scoring on a Vanguard error. The Toros knotted the game at 2-2 two batters later as a Dean Benavidez single and another Lion miscue brought home Leyva with the game tying run.

The visitors regained the lead in their 3rd-inning at-bat after Michael Anderson hammered a 1-0 offering from CSUDH starter Keith Chipman deep over the center field fence for a 3-run bomb, but the resilient Toros answered with two more in their 3rd- inning at-bat using back-to-back jacks by Klingsberg and Sean Beckley to nearly the same spot in right-center field.

After exchanging single runs in the 4th, the Toros took the lead for good in the 5th on an RBI single by Benavidez and another VU error, tacking on another run in the 6th on a Jon Alia base-knock for what would prove to be the game-winner.

The bullpen proved solid for the Toros as it combined for 6.1 innings of work, allowing just two runs and 5 hits. Leyva wielded the big bat for the Toros with a 4-4 performance, followed by 3-for-4 efforts by Klingsberg and Benavidez.

Jason Schaniel went 3-for-5 for the Lions, who fell to 0-1 to start the season.

The Toros, now 2-0 to begin the season, look to keep their winning streak alive tomorrow afternoon in non-conference action against Cal Poly Pomona, with first pitch set for 2:00 pm in Pomona, California.

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