CS San Bernardino Earns Split in Series with Baseball Win over Toros, 4-2
Coyotes break tie-game with two runs in the top of the ninth for CCAA victory
February 18, 2003

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif.--Cal State San Bernardino pushed across two runs in the top of the ninth inning to break a 2-2 tie to forge a 4-2 California Collegiate Athletic Association win over Cal State Dominguez Hills Tuesday at Toro Field. The victory earned the Coyotes a split of the four-game series.

CS San Bernardino, ranked #15 in this week's Collegiate Baseball poll, is now 7-2 overall and 2-2 in CCAA play. No. 22-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills, drops to 6-4 overall and 2-2 in the CCAA.

It was a pitcher's duel until CSUSB broke out on top, 1-0, with an unearned run in the fifth inning. With a runner on second and two out, CSUDH left fielder Joe Gevas mis-played a fly ball off the bat of Chris McAllen which scored Keith Haughn who had reached earlier on a double.

The Toros countered in the seventh with the tying run on an RBI double down the left field line by shortstop Eric Pringle.

The Coyotes re-took the lead, 2-1, in the eight inning on a pinch-hit RBI single by Bill Bitonti which scored McAllen who reached earlier on a single then took second on a stolen base.

Cal State Dominguez Hills tied it up once again in the bottom of the stanza, 2-2. Mike Milstead hit a leadoff single then was moved over on a sacrifice bunt by Ricky Eda. Gevas then hit a hard ground ball to second base, which went off the glove of Josh Thomas and into right field scoring Milstead from second. The Toros had the chance to take the lead with runners at second and third later in the inning with two out, but Zac Cort struck out to end the inning.

San Bernardino then took the lead for good with two runs in the top of the ninth. Jake Puckett led off the inning with a single and was sacrificed over. Thomas then made up for his error in the eighth with the game-winning hit to left-center field. After Thomas stole second base, Chris DiBlasi provided an insurance run with a single through the left side.

Steven Fitch (2-0) earned the win in relief for the Coyotes going the final 2-1/3 innings allowing one run on one hit while striking out two. Greg Mathenia started the game for CSUSB tossing the first six shutout innings allowing five hits.

Brian Cortes, CSUDH's all-time career saves leader, got his first start on the mound today. Cortes was not involved in the decision but was strong going the first 7-1/3 innings allowing only one earned run, on six hits while striking out four. Chris Ingstad (1-2) suffered the loss giving up two runs on three hits in 1-1/3 inning.

The Toros are back in CCAA action this week with a four-game series against cross town rival Cal State L.A. It will get started on Thursday in Los Angeles with a twinbill beginning at 4 PM. The series will close out on Saturday with a doubleheader in Carson, beginning at 12:00 noon.