SEASIDE, Calif. - Tenth-ranked Cal State Monterey Bay dominated Cal Poly Pomona, 17-8, on Thursday at the Otter Sports Complex, showcasing an offensive display that resulted in 19 hits and 17 runs. The victory improved the Otters to 23-8 overall and 8-5 in CCAA play.
Ā
The scoring started early, with Julian Angulo launching a two-run home run for Cal Poly Pomona in the first inning to give the Broncos an early 2-0 lead. Cal State Monterey Bay answered immediately when
James Starkus hit a solo home run to center field, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
Ā
Pomona extended its advantage in the third inning with two additional runs to push the lead to 4-1, but the Otters were beginning their offensive onslaught.
Ā
The pivotal fifth inning marked the turning point.
Bobby Benavidez launched a three-run home run to right field, tying the game at 4-4.
Jason Del Villar followed with a single to right field to give CSUMB a 5-4 lead, and
Xander Sielken added another single to right-center to extend the advantage to 6-4.
Ā
The offensive explosion continued in the sixth inning. Starkus drove in a run on a groundout to third base, Del Villar singled through the right side to score another run, and
Conner Smith launched a two-run home run to right-center, pushing the Otter lead to 10-4.
Ā
The seventh inning proved devastating for the Broncos as the Otters added six more runs.
Nick Maestas doubled to right-center to score a run, Benavidez followed with a triple down the right field line that scored two more. Sielken's groundout to shortstop added another run, and Del Villar capped the inning with a solo home run to center field, extending the advantage to 16-5.
Ā
Benavidez led the Otters' offensive attack with four hits, three runs, and five RBIs, including one triple and a home run. Starkus contributed five hits and two RBIs with one home run, while Del Villar recorded four hits, two runs, and five RBIs with one home run. Smith finished with two hits, one run, and two RBIs on his home run. Sielken added one hit with three runs and two RBIs, and Maestas recorded one double with two runs and one RBI.
Ā
Drew Aguiar (2-1) earned the win for CSUMB, allowing seven hits and five runs over seven innings with eight strikeouts.
David Delgadillo pitched two innings in relief, allowing three hits and three runs. Andrew Campbell (7-2) took the loss for Cal Poly Pomona, allowing eight hits and five runs over five innings.
Ā
The two teams will meet for a doubleheader tomorrow. First pitch of game one is scheduled for Noon.
Ā
