Close Contests Go Toros' Way in 2-1 and 2-0 Sweep Over CS Monterey Bay

(PHOTO: KEADRICK WASHINGTON)

CARSON -- Freshmen pitchers Lauren Harper (pictured) and Stephanie Jimenez teamed up, literally, to lead the Toros to a 2-1 and 2-0 sweep over visiting CS Monterey Bay in a key CCAA twinbill that has both league and national playoff implications at stake, with CSUDH sitting at No. 10 in the NCAA West, and the Otters at No. 5.

The opener was a pitcher's duel as CSUMB hurler Diane Ortiz and Harper allowed two hits between them through the first three innings of play.

After the Otters struck first on a Cat Sampson RBI single for a 1-0 lead, CSUDH answered back with two in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Katie Jordan reached on a fielder's choice, swiped second and scored on a Katie Garcia double to center field, who scored herself after Caitlin McGrath sent a booming single to the wall in center, giving CSUDH its first lead of the night.

Jimenez relieved Harper in the sixth, and fanned three Otters in two innings of work to pick up her second save of the year, while Harper picked up the win (5-6), also fanning three batters against two walks.

The Toros jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the nightcap, courtesy of a Jessica Hall bases-loaded ground out, which sent the speedy Garcia home with the game's first run.

That was plenty for the duo of starter Jimenez and reliever Harper, who combined to scatter seven CSUMB hits in the shutout that dropped the Otters to 24-14, 17-9 CCAA.

CSUDH was limited to just five hits in game two, but capitalized on an Otter error in the fifth for an insurance run in the 2-0 victory.

In between games, eight Toros in Daisy Beltran, Jessica Duarte, Hall, Harper, Katie Jordan, Jessica Marlow, Emiley McEwen and McGrath were recognized by the NCAA as part of the 23rd Annual STUDENT-Athlete Day, celebrated annually on April 6, for their successes both in the classroom, and received certificates presented by head coach Jim Maier and CSUDH Athletics Director Patrick Guillen.

CSUDH, now 23-17, 15-11 CCAA, looks to keep its CCAA and NCAA playoff hopes alive as it battles these same Otters tomorrow morning, with first pitch set for 11:00 am on Toro Diamond.

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