SAN DIEGO – The No. 14-ranked Cal State Monterey Bay baseball team closed out its opening series with a 14-9 victory on the road against No. 19 Point Loma, Saturday afternoon Carroll B. Land Stadium.
 
The Otters scored 14 runs on 18 hits to secure the series. The Otters struck first in the opening inning when James Starkus delivered an RBI single to put CSUMB ahead, and they never relinquished the lead as the offense continued to produce all afternoon.
 
Monterey Bay scored in six different innings and showcased its depth in the lineup by climbing on Point Loma pitching early and often.
 
Starkus led the way at the plate with five hits and four RBIs, driving in runs across multiple innings and finishing with a standout performance. Jason Del Villar also made a major impact with a 4-RBI game that included a home run, and Andrew Lehmann added a two-run home run as part of an 11-run stretch from the third through eighth innings that gave the Otters control.
 
Noah Zertuche scored three times and collected two hits, Bobby Benavidez had two hits and scored three runs, and Breyon Chavez chipped in two hits as CSUMB spread production across its lineup.
 
The Otter offense was balanced, taking advantage of scoring opportunities and breaking the game open with clutch hits in the middle innings.
 
CSUMB will open its home slate against Azusa Pacific. The two teams will open the series on Thursday, Feb. 5.