BOX SCORE SAN DIEGO, Calif. – For only the third time in program history, the Cal State Monterey Bay baseball team recorded a victory in its season opener thanks to senior David Garcia (Gilroy, Calif./Mission College). A ninth inning grand slam broke a 3-3 tie the series opener at Point Loma Nazarene Friday as the Otters fought to a 7-3 victory.
 
“We weren't perfect today, but we were able to execute when it mattered,” said CSUMB Head Coach Walt White. “We had numerous opportunities early in the game to open it up, but we didn't deliver that early knock out blow.  We finally capitalized in the ninth with a string of great at bats and Garcia capped it off with the big blast.”
 
This is only the third time in program history CSUMB has started the season with a victory.
 
The Otters sprinted to a 3-1 lead after the first two innings, but single runs by the Sea Lions in the fifth and sixth knotted the game.
 
The Otters broke the game open in the ninth. After Ronnie Fhurong (Hollister, Calif./San Benito HS) led off with a single, Nolan Murray (San Diego, Calif./Steele Canyon HS) came in to pinch run only to advance on a steal and ground out. With the bases loaded after cleanup hitter Brian Haggett (Hollister, Calif./Sacrmento State) was intentionally walked and Mark Hurley (Hollister, Calif./College of San Mateo) was warded first after being hit by a pitch, Garcia took an inside pitch and lifted it down the left field line to clear the bases.
 
Hurley and Fhurong each registered two hits and a RBI.  Senior Victor Rasor-Thompson (San Diego, Calif./U of San Diego) also produced two hits for the Otters.
 
Starter Josh Eagle (Antioch, Calif./Sierra College) tossed five innings, striking out three and relinquishing two earned runs. Jeff Owen (Clovis East) earned the win after four innings of work out of the bullpen.  He pitched the final four innings, allowing just three hits. 
 
“Eagle and Owen both battled and kept us in the game, allowing us to finish the way we did,” White said. “Neither had their best stuff today, but both made big pitches in the biggest situations in the game.  I am proud of the way we competed and we are looking forward to getting back after it tomorrow.”
 
Otters conclude the series at Point Loma Nazarene on Saturday, Feb. 1 with a doubleheader at 11 a.m.