SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., – Behind a dominant pitching performance and clutch hitting, Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball opened its four-game series against San Francisco State with a 3-1 victory Friday afternoon at Maloney Field. With the win, the Toros improve to 11-7 overall and 7-2 in CCAA play.

After three scoreless innings, the Toros struck first in the fourth when Dylan Schumacher lined an RBI single down the left field line to bring home Noah Karliner for a 1-0 lead. The Gators responded in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game on a sacrifice fly.

Dominguez Hills reclaimed the lead in the sixth as Quinn Johnson delivered a clutch RBI single to left, scoring Karliner to make it 2-1. Moments later, Emilio Barrera added an RBI single to center, bringing home Johnson for an insurance run. That proved to be all the support the Toros' pitching staff needed.

Darren Roberts (2-0) was stellar on the mound, tossing seven innings while allowing just one run on eight hits with one strikeout and no walks. Julian Castro took over in the eighth and shut the door, retiring all six batters he faced to earn his third save of the season.

Karliner led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Johnson finished 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Schumacher and Barrera each recorded an RBI single. Nigel Buckley added a 2-for-4 performance, and Teige Barrett and Kaleb Castro each chipped in with a hit.

Defensively, the Toros were sharp, turning three double plays to keep the Gators off the board in key moments.

Cal State Dominguez Hills continues the series on Saturday, March 8, with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m. as they look to build on their strong start to CCAA play.