CARSON — The Cal State Dominguez Hills softball team split the penultimate doubleheader of the regular season against Cal State San Marcos Friday, winning game 1 behind Alyssa Valinches' complete-game outing 1-0 and dropping game 2, 9-1, in six innings.

Game 1 - CSUDH 1, CSUSM 0
The Toros got a great start from Valinches, who allowed just 5 hits in the afternoon. The junior right-hander settled into the game nicely and was able to maintain her control throughout, allowing only 3 walks on 119 tosses. 

Cal State San Marcos also had a great day from their starter Amanda Horbasch, who equally only allowed 5 hits and 3 walks on 105 pitches. Both teams were struggling to manufacture runs all day as both pitchers were able to get out of tight situations. 

The best chance to score in the game for the visitors presented itself in the top of the third inning, with the bases loaded with only one out. Yet, Valinches was able to strikeout number three hitter Heather Rygg and get the next batter Horbasch to pop out. 

The only run in the game came from the Toros in the bottom of the sixth inning. Damari Simon singled through the left side and advanced to third when when a few batters later Analisa Nicholson hit a double to center field. With two runners in scoring position, Kendelle Messersmith hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Simon from third. 

That is all it took for the Toros to win game one as defense and pitching was the theme of game 1. 

Game 2 - CSUSM 9, CSUDH 1 (6 Innings)
The second game of the doubleheader started a lot different than the first. The visitors struck early, getting 5 runs on 3 hits to begin the game. The dormant offense for the visiting Cougars exploded in game 2, collecting a total of 9 runs on 10 hits. April Perez led the visitors with 3 hits in the game. 

The Toros game 2 starter Sharie Albert was having a tough time controlling the plate early on, allowing two walks and three wild pitches in the first inning. Although she settled down after the first, the lead was too much too early for the Toros to stage a comeback. Albert only lasted just 2.1 innings pitched.

The visitors added 2 runs in the third on 2 hits from Mackenzie Fannin and Perez. The Toros could only add one run in the game as Lyzette Reveles scored on a fielders choice.

The Toros wrap up their season with a final doubleheader against CSUSM at home tomorrow afternoon.