Andrew Montoya, senior criminal justice major and infielder, was one of many Lancers who was walked during the last game of the series against California State University at Dominguez Hills on Feb. 14. Matthew Swope | Banner
The California Baptist University baseball team took the series finale against California State University at Dominguez Hills Feb. 14 by a score of 7-5. The Lancers won their second straight series of the season to move to 4-2 while Dominquez Hills moved to 5-3.
The game started out rough as the Lancers gave up three runs in the first inning to a strong hitting strategy from the CSUDH team. A small rally followed by a scoring double highlighted the top of the first inning for Dominguez Hills.
In the bottom of the first, CSUDH’s starting pitcher, Fernando Gallegos, could not find the strike zone as he walked five Lancers and gave up five runs while only recording two outs before the coach pulled him from the game.
Brian Nostaja came in and walked an additional three Lancers without recording an out before being pulled. Finally, Kevin Brown ended the inning and continued to pitch five innings, only giving up one run. This pitching strategy assisted CBU with their patient approach to batting as they were looking for a few walks.
Tyson Miller, sophomore communication studies major and pitcher at CBU, made his first start of the season on the mound for the Lancers. He pitched six innings, giving up four earned runs on nine hits and one walk while recording seven strikeouts. The free-swinging Dominguez Hills team started off hot, but were slowed down as Miller got cofortable.
Stephen Carabajal, junior marketing major and pitcher, relieved Miller to close out the game and helped secure the Lancer victory.
Miller said he was excited about his first start and first win of the season.
“It felt good to get my first game out of the way,” Miller said. “Dominguez Hills hit well against us this series, and it was very competitive. I think the series showed that we will play good defensive teams and teams that can put the ball in play offensively so we have to be ready to do the same.”
In addition to the strong pitching strategy, the Lancers put up a good fight with hitting as Andy Crowley, senior criminal justice major and outfielder, was able to get on base in the eighth inning, helping to ensure the victory.
Also assisting in good hits was Stephen Lohr, sophomore psychology major and third baseman. His big hit came right after Crowley was able to steal third in the eighth. Lohr said in a statement that he was “just trying to get the ball in the air, and hopefully Andy could get home. With Andy’s speed, he can do whatever he wants.”
Gary Adcock, head coach of the baseball team, said his team has shown resilience as they lost the first game of their season, but were able to bounce back and win the series against CSUDH.
