IRVINE, Calif. – The Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros split the day with the Concordia University Eagles to split the series, 2-2.
Game One
The first game was a rollercoaster of momentum. The Toros faced an uphill battle as Concordia built a solid 6-0 lead by the sixth inning. However, the Toros ignited a comeback in the seventh inning. A single by
Eric Nakano and a double by
Dalton Cram both leading to runs courtesy of Concordia's defensive errors, and a sacrifice fly by
Brock Denbo cut the deficit to 6-4. Despite the late charge, the Toros couldn't bridge the gap, resulting in a loss.
Game Two
In the second game, the Toros flipped the script. Early scoring from
Noah Karliner's two-run homer gave the Toros a lead they would never relinquish. Concordia managed to put a run on the board in the sixth inning with an RBI single, but the Toros tightened their defense and extended their lead once more in the seventh with
Trey Winget's RBI groundout. Stellar pitching and defense in the final innings secured a 3-1 win for the Toros, splitting the day's results.
The Toros' success on the mound was spearheaded by starter
Julian Diaz, who earned the win with an impressive line: he threw for 6.0 innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run while walking one and striking out eight batters. Diaz's command and poise throughout his start provided the backbone for the Toros' win, as he faced 22 batters and consistently kept them off balance with a mix of pitches that led to 7 groundouts and only 3 flyouts.
Following Diaz's dominant outing, reliever
Chris Cornelius stepped in to seal the deal, earning the save with a crucial final inning. Despite issuing two walks, Cornelius struck out two batters and allowed no hits, effectively shutting down any potential rally by Concordia.
The Toros are on the road next week as they begin their series against Stanislaus State Friday, February 23
rd with first pitch set for 6pm.