Toros Fall to Grand Canyon in Non-Conference Baseball, 12-9
Isidro Perez comes up a single short in nearly hitting for cycle in loss
April 20, 2005

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif.--(April 20, 2005)--Junior CF Isidro Perez (South Gate/South Gate HS) knocked in six runs and nearly hit for the cycle but it wasn't enough as visiting Grand Canyon University took a 12-9 non-conference decision over Cal State Dominguez Hills Wednesday afternoon at Toro Field.

Perez blasted a 3-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to account for the final score. He also collected three RBI in the second inning on a bases-clearing triple, and hit a double in the fifth. In his other two at bats, he walked in the first and flied out to left field in the seventh while trying to become only the second player ever in the history of the program to hit for the cycle.

CSUDH (20-24) took a 2-1 lead early after senior OF Ricky Eda (Palos Verdes/Peninsula HS) led off the game with his league-leading 15th home run of the year. The Toros got another run on a run scoring fielder's choice by freshman DH Matt Hopps (Torrance/So. Torrance HS).

Canyon answered with two runs in the top of the second for a brief 3-2 lead. The Toros answered right back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the frame on Perez' bases clearing triple for a 5-3 lead.

But GCU bounced back with two more runs to tie the game in the third after RBI singles by SS Ryan Bethel and LF Cody Johns making it 5-5. Grand Canyon took the lead for good with single runs in the fifth and sixth, one of them coming on Chris Cook's eight home run of the year.

The Antelopes pushed across five more runs in the eight and ninth innings for a commanding 12-6 lead. Perez' three-run homer, his sixth of the season, would account for the final margin.

Three Toro pitchers combined to give up 12 runs and 20 hits on the afternoon. Dustin Gober (1-2) was tagged with the loss going the first 5.2 innings allowing seven runs on 13 hits. David Leyva (Los Angeles/Serra HS) tossed 2.1 innings, and gave up three runs on four hits. James Dodson (Long Beach/Lakewood HS) went the final inning allowing two runs on three hits.

After Perez' 3 for 4 effort at the plate, he was followed by Eda and 3B Chris Martinez (Torrance/So. Torrance HS) who collected two hits apiece on the day.

Scott Welch (7-5) earned the win on the mound for the Antelopes going the first 6.0 innings allowing six runs on seven hits. Kyle Holtorf tossed the final 3.0 frames giving up three runs on four hits.

Bethel led Grand Canyon at the plate driving in four runs while going 4 for 5. Johns and DH Matt Henne followed with three hits each.

Cal State Dominguez Hills is back in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) action this weekend hosting UC San Diego for a three game series beginning on Friday with a single game. First pitch is slated for 2:00 PM.