Perez' Two-Run Homer in Seventh Lifts CSUDH Over Azusa Pacific, 4-2
February 23, 2005

Complete Box Score

AZUSA, Calif.--(February 23, 2005)--Centerfielder Isidro Perez (Southgate/LA Harbor JC) went 2-for-4 on the day, including his first homerun of the season to lift visiting Cal State Dominguez Hills to a 4-2 non-conference win over Azusa Pacific University Wednesday afternoon.

APU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning before the Toros tied it in the top of the fifth on a two-out RBI double by Houston Hernandez (La Mirada/St. Paul HS).

Azusa Pacific would retake the lead in the bottom of the frame, 2-1. But CSUDH answered right back to knot the score, 2-2, in the sixth on two more clutch hits. With two outs, Jose Montes (Pacoima/San Fernando HS) doubled followed by an RBI single from Matt Hopps (Torrance/South Torrance HS).

Cal State Dominguez Hills (5-4) took the lead for good in the seventh with two runs. Hernandez reached on an error, then one out later scored when Perez launched his first homer of the season, a two-run blast, over the right field wall making it 4-2. Once again, the key hit came with two outs in the inning.

That was all the scoring the Toros pitching staff would need as starter Gus Hernandez (Lynwood/Lynwood HS) and Jason Garcia (Southgate/LA Harbor JC) were sharp on the mound today. Hernandez tossed the first five innings but received a no-decision, allowing both runs on five hits while striking out two. Garcia, who was making his first appearance of the season, came on in the sixth and got the Toros out of a jam. With two on and no outs, Garcia struck out the first batter he saw, then induced a double play to end the threat. Garcia (1-0) tossed the final four innings of one-hit ball to earn the win. In the process, Garcia struck out five, including Azusa's John Ray to end the game.

Designated hitter Ian Corso collected two of the Toros seven hits in the game. Corso finished 2-for-3 with a run scored.

CSUDH is back in action this weekend hosting a four-game CCAA series against Sonoma State beginning on Friday. First pitch is slated for 2 PM.