Breakthrough in Eighth Leads Toros Past Cougars in 5-2 Win

Box Score

CARSON -- Facing a 2-2 draw going into the eighth, the No. 22 Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball team got the break they were looking for as Brian Sturgis drove in the winning run on a single to right to lift the Toros to a 5-2 win over the Cougars of Cal State San Marcos in non-conference action.

The Toros took their first lead in the third, gaining a 2-0 advantage as Abel Medina drove in two runs on a double down the left field line to bring in Carlos Leyva and Jose Serrano.

Toro starter Bret Montgomery was solid from the mound through the first four frames, shutting down the side in order in all four innings.

Montgomery was put under the gun in the fifth, giving up his first hit of the game on a double from Kyle Parks who would eventually score as the Cougar first run before CSUSM grabbed another in the sixth to even the board at two apiece.

The tie set the stage for Sturgis, who on his first hit of the ballgame drove in the winning run before scoring himself on a Jesus Padilla single up the middle, Padilla's first career hit in the Cardinal & Gold.

If nothing else, the mound saw many different pitchers as the visitors sent a group of five into action, with starter Kyle Smart pitching three full innings and giving up the Toros' first two runs.

Fourth in CSUSM's rotation on the day, Eric Julienne threw one full frame and fanned one batter to record the loss after scattering three hits and runs to the Toros.

Though only throwing 1.1 innings, the win went to Matt Phillips, who improved his record to 4-0 after fanning three batters and allowing no hits.

The Toros, now 25-10 overall and riding a season-high six-game win streak, will take on the Hawks of San Diego Christian as non-conference action concludes tomorrow with a twinbill set at 11:00am.

Print Friendly Version