SEASIDE, Calif. — Azusa Pacific built an early seven-run cushion Thursday afternoon, but No. 14 Cal State Monterey Bay stormed back with late offense to hand the Cougars a 10–7 loss at the Otter Sports Complex.
The Cougars couldn't have asked for a better start. It scored seven runs over the first two innings, highlighted by a two-run home run from Isaiah Rios in the first and a five-run second inning that featured RBIs from Bryce Robinette, Jacob Freer, Rios and Noah Lane.
Rios finished the day 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Lane drove in two and Tyler Preece reached base three times and scored twice as APU collected 10 hits in the opening frames.
Cal State Monterey Bay slowly chipped away, scoring a run in the fourth before breaking through with a three-run fifth inning on a James Starkus home run to cut the deficit to 7–4. After Azusa Pacific was held scoreless from the third inning on, the Otters tied the game in the seventh with three runs, then seized control in the eighth with another three-run frame that included a triple, two home runs, and a run scored on a wild pitch.
The Cougars had opportunities late but were limited to just one baserunner over the final two innings as CSUMB's bullpen closed the door.
On the mound, Casey Spencer struck out seven over five innings in his start, while Kaleb Tenn and Damian Pasillas combined to cover the final four frames. Pasillas was charged with the loss after CSUMB's decisive eighth inning.
Azusa Pacific will look to bounce back as the road series continues against the nationally ranked Otters.
Inside the Box Score
- Today was the fourth time this year that the Cougars were not charged with an error.
- The Cougars batted .286 as a team, their 3rd highest team average of the year.
Game Notes
- Preece and Rios have reached base safely in all six games this season.
- Noah Lane is on a team-high five game hitting-streak.
- Rios is batting 5-for-12 (.417) with 1 home run and four RBI against ranked opponents this season.
