CARSON – Pierson Loska slugged in five RBIs including two home runs, but the Cal State Dominguez Hills first baseman's big day was spoiled by Cal State San Marcos in the ninth as the Cougars rallied to escape with a 9-8 win over the Toros to begin a four-game California Collegiate Athletic Association series Friday.
 
The Toros fall to 1-5 overall and 0-5 in the CCAA.
 
TOP PERFORMERS
Pierson Loska – 4-for-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI
Jose Jimenez – 2-for-5, 2B, 2 R
Tristan Garnett – LP, 4.2 IP, 6 SO, 0 BB
 
WHAT HAPPENED?
- Garnett was excellent coming out of the bullpen in the fifth inning. He kept the Cougars (8-3, 3-1 CCAA) off the board until the ninth inning.
- The Toros were one out away from securing their first conference win of the season but were jinxed as late-substitution Nasheaph Diggs delivered a clutch two-run triple to put the Cougars ahead.
- After the Cougars struck first with a two-run first inning, Loska answered back on the Toros behalf with a solo shot in the first and a three-run jack in the third to give his team a 4-3 lead.
- Dominguez Hills, once again, had to respond after San Marcos scored four unearned runs in the fourth. The Toros did so in slugging fashion with Jeremy Ciolek and Kaelan Crisosto hitting back-to-back leadoff doubles followed by an RBI triple from Angel Estrada. Bailey Bordas brought Estrada home with a single to tie the game 7-7.
- Jimenez led off the seventh with the Toros' sixth extra-base hit and Loska singled up the middle after to drive in the go-ahead run.
- Both sides relied heavily on the bullpen today as each used four relievers.
 
UP NEXT?
The series continues with game two at Toro Field Saturday at 2 p.m.