CARSON -- Cal State Dominguez Hills kicked off its 2026 season inauspiciously after dropping 6-3 and 5-1 decisions to Fresno Pacific this afternoon at Toro Field.

Nigel Buckley tallied a pair of hits in the opener as part of six total for the Cardinal and Gold, while the Sunbirds managed 13 hits.  Tied at 1-1 heading into the top of the 4th inning, the visitors put three runs across to take a 4-1 lead, also adding single runs in the 6th sixth and 7th innings to go up five runs.

CSUDH, however, rallied in its last at-bat with a pair of runs, but was unable to complete the comeback.

Jordan Townley took the loss after lasting just 3.1 innings, giving up six hits and four earned runs.  Reliever Zachary Lopez kept the Sunbird offense at bay during his 5.2 innings, scattering seven hits and allowing a pair of runs while fanning five.

George Papadatos enjoyed a two-hit effort as well with Buckley, Tristan Usher and Zac Ragland each driving in a Toro run.

In the nightcap, the Sunbirds put across five runs in the first two innings of play against Trysten Eddy, who was relieved after just 2.0 innings on the bump, allowing seven hits and five earned runs.

William Paxton was excellent in relief, tossing 5.0 innings of scoreless ball, allowing just two hits.

Offensively, Julio Camarena went 1-for-2 with an RBI, with Raoul Fabian and Ragland also contributing knocks.

The two teams complete their four-game set with a doubleheader tomorrow, with first pitch of game one set for 11 am on Toro Field.