SAN DIEGO – Junior Rigo Fernandez struck out eight batters to match his career-high in six shutout innings of work as the Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball team escaped with a 2-1 series-opening win at Point Loma Thursday afternoon.
 
Dalton Duarte's two-run home run, his second dinger in as many games, in the second inning proved to be the difference. John Gonzalez was hit by the pitch to lead off the inning and set up the two-run shot.
 
Fernandez's eight strikeouts was his best since playing Holy Names a year ago. He also matched his best in innings pitched. He ended the day limiting the Sea Lions (3-4) to two hits and four walks.
 
The combination of Luke Laurita and Jacob Musial was solid in the late innings, holding Point Loma hitless and each reliever got a strikeout.
 
The Sea Lions, who were quiet after the first inning, had a rally going in the ninth inning against Nick Suniga. Cleanup-man Tyler Flores cut the lead down to one with a home run to right and Point Loma loaded the bases with one out. Suniga got help from a game-ending double play.
 
The Toros (2-2), meanwhile, were limited to only four hits in the game.
 
The middle game of the three-game non-conference series is Friday at 2 p.m.