SAN BERNARDINO – The No. 11-ranked Cal State Monterey Bay baseball team once again came out of the gates strong, but faltered in the middle innings to drop an 8-4 decision to Cal State San Marcos, Friday afternoon at Fiscalini Field.
The Otters struck quickly in the third inning, establishing a 3-0 lead.
Jordan Hockett launched a two-run home run down the left field line to plate
Noah Zertuche, and
Jason Del Villar reached on an error that allowed
Bobby Benavidez to score.
Conner Smith extended CSUMB's advantage in the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field, pushing the lead to 4-3.
CSUSM seized the lead for good in the fifth inning when Zech Samayoa launched a grand slam to left-center field to take a 6-4 advantage. The Cougars added to their lead in the seventh inning when Michael Weber delivered a two-run single, extending the margin to 8-4.
The Otter offensive contributors included Benavidez with two hits, Hockett with his two-run home run, Smith with his solo home run, Zertuche with one hit, and Del Villar with one hit and an RBI.
Daniel Flores took the loss for the Otters, allowing six hits and six runs over 4 1/3 innings while striking out five batters. Jack Clark earned the win for San Marcos with a six-inning effort, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out two.
Ben Pernetti recorded the save with three scoreless innings of relief, striking out three batters.
The Otters will now await who they will host in the NCAA Regional. The championship bracket will be announced during a selection show on Sunday, May 10, at 7 p.m., live-streamed on
NCAA.com.
