SEASIDE, Calif. --- Probably only Elvis had more hits than Saturday's doubleheader between Cal State Monterey Bay and CSU Dominguez Hills; the two teams combined for 31 hits in the two games and 23 runs as they split the twin bill, the Otters winning 8-5 and then losing 7-3.
In the opening game, six of the Otter's eight runs scored after there were two outs in the inning. #Jeff Murray#'s two-out, two run-single in the eighth put CSUMB capped a three-run rally that would decide the game, CSUMB's fourth victory of the year.
#Brian Callen# came in to pitch in the eighth inning and got the win after not allowing a run in one and a third innings of work. Both starters, the Toros' David Leyva and CSUMB's #Addis OConnor# went six innings and gave up four runs, three of which were earned.
Four Otters had two hits. Leadoff hitter #Thomas Incaviglia# (2-3, 3 R, 2 BB) was key. CSUDH's leadoff hitter Candelario Flores(2-5, 2R, 1RBI) also had a solid game.
In game two, the Otters were unable to figure out sidearm-throwing starter Matt Phillips(CG, 7 IP, 3 ER, 6 K). Only seven Otters reached base with none getting on more than once in the game. The Otters fell behind 4-1 early, but second baseman #Daniel Barras# got things going in the third with an RBI triple to make it 4-2 and then scored on a balk call. However, CSUMB starter #Patrick McClain# allowed four straight Toros to reach base and gave up two runs in the top of the fourth. McClain gave up five hits and four runs in the top of the first.
Recapping the four game weekend series for the Otters, both #Daniel Bifano# and Callen picked-up victories while Callen also picked up a save. Outfielders #Andrew Marquardt# and #Justin Rios# (4 RBIs) both had six hits over the weekend while Incaviglia(5 R), Jeff Barnacil and #Shea Davis# (4 R) added four hits each.
CSUMB travels for the first time this season next weekend, going to conference leader and national powerhouse Sonoma State for a four-game series.