CARSON – The Cal State Dominguez Hills and No. 7 UC San Diego baseball teams beat the sunset Saturday as both team split a twinbill at Toro Field. The Tritons claimed game one, 10-7, while the Toros salvaged a series win by walking off in the evening cap 5-4 in extras.
Game 1 – UCSD 10, CSUDH 7
It was a good day for
John Gonzalez, who had sat out in last night's ball game. The break turned out to benefit him as he went 2-for-3 with five RBI including a solo shot in the seventh.
The Toros had to rebound from an early deficit in the first inning, when back-to-back homers by the Tritons gave them a 3-0 lead. Dominguez Hills eventually grabbed its only lead in the third inning. Gonzalez singled through the right side to drive in two and
Jordan James reached on a fielder's choice that was enough to score in
Kevin Lugo from third.
UC San Diego quickly erased the deficit in the fourth inning and took an 8-4 lead in the fifth.
The Toros couldn't find a way to stop Triton Alex Eliopulos at all, who two homers again for the second consecutive day.
Ian Codina and
Luke Laurita each pitched 1.1 shutout innings of relief. Both starters, Toro
Joe Mercado and Triton Jack Rupe, never got through four innings.
Game 2 – CSUDH 5, UCSD 4 (8 innings)
The two teams had to play past the scheduled seven innings after the Toros had rallied in the seventh. With
Kai Gomez at second, his speed accommodated
Dalton Duarte as the big designated hitter hit into a gap in left field that allowed the Toros to tie the game 4-4.
With less than 15 minutes left in daylight, the Toros' eighth inning started with
Daryl Donerson's single. Back-to-back walks by
Kevin Lugo and Gomez loaded the bases for
Justin Morris, who got a fly ball into center field deep enough for the winning run to score.
Jacob Musial got through four innings allowing two runs on four hits and two walks.
Nick Suniga allowed one run in his inning of work while
Matt Stearns threw three shutout frames striking out six.
The Toros go back on the road again to visit Cal State San Marcos Thursday and Friday. Both are 2 p.m. first pitches.
