Carson- In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros emerged victorious in a nail-biting contest against Fresno Pacific, securing a 10-9 win.
The matchup, filled with twists and turns, showcased the Toros' ability to come from behind and capitalize on critical moments.
Fresno Pacific set the pace early in the game, putting up three runs in the first two innings, which included a solo run in the first and two more in the second.
The Toros, however, did not let this early deficit deter their spirits. They began chipping away at the lead with a run in the second inning, signaling their refusal to go down without a fight.
The turning point came in the fourth inning when Cal State Dominguez Hills unleashed a five-run barrage, overturning the deficit to lead 6-3. This outburst was a testament to the Toros' offensive depth and their ability to strike hard when the opportunity presented itself.
Fresno Pacific responded with two runs in the sixth inning to narrow the gap, but the Toros kept their composure, adding runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to maintain and extend their lead. Each run added was crucial, demonstrating the Toros' strategic approach to building their lead and responding to Fresno Pacific's challenges.
The game's climax came in the ninth inning when Fresno Pacific rallied to add three more runs to their total, threatening the Toros' lead. However, the Toros' defense stood firm, managing to hold onto their slender lead as the final out was made, securing a hard-earned 10-9 victory.
Alex Sepulveda, taking on the role of the designated hitter, delivered an exceptional performance, going 2-4 at the plate. His prowess was on full display as he hit both a double and a home run, driving in four runs and crossing the plate twice himself.
Brock Denbo, playing in right field, showcased his hitting skills by going 3-3 at-bat on the afternoon, which included a pivotal home run that brought in three runs. His performance was not just about power but also precision, achieving a slugging percentage of 1.333 and an on-base percentage of .600. Denbo's clutch hitting was a key factor in maintaining the Toros' momentum and securing the victory.
Noah Karliner, manning the second base position, demonstrated his batting capabilities by securing two hits in four at-bats and driving in a run. His consistency at the plate was highlighted by a .500 batting average and a .600 on-base percentage, showcasing his ability to effectively get on base and contribute to the team's scoring efforts.
Julian Diaz, covering left field, added to the Toros' offensive efforts by notching two hits in five at-bats and driving in a run. His performance, resulting in a .400 slugging percentage and a .400 on-base percentage, underscored his role in the lineup and his contribution to the team's overall success.
The Toros are back at home Thursday, February 15
th at 1pm as they take on Concordia University Irvine.