BOX SCORE ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – So sweet to end the 2012 Cal State Monterey Bay baseball season on a high-note.  An 8-3 victory at Sonoma State Sunday put the Otters above .500 with a 26-24 record, a first in program history.
 
The Otters wasted no time getting on the board, scoring two runs in their first chance.  Junior David Garcia (Gilroy, Calif/Mission College) connected on a sacrifice fly to centerfield to plate senior Danny Nelson (Morgan Hill, Calif./San Jose CC).  Garcia enter this weekend ranked seventh in the nation with seven sacrifice flies. Junior Jason Merjano (San Ramon, Calif./Sierra College) drove in the second run on his 15th double of the year.
 
After five scoreless innings, SSU's Scott Collins hit a 2 RBI double in the sixth.  Kevin Cramer RBI single in the seventh inning gave the Seawolves their only lead of the game.
 
The Otter offense came alive in the eighth to score five runs on three hits to take a 7-3 lead.  Junior Brian Haggett (Hollister, Calif./Sacramento State) drove in the first run on a single to left field that scored Nelson.  A combination of sacrifice flies, a walk and hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded put four more runs on the board for CSUMB.
 
In the ninth, Merjano batted in his third run of the game to make it 8-3.
 
Freshman Zac Grotz (Burlingame HS) got the start for the Otters, tossing five innings of shutout ball and allowing four hits. Freshman Chris Neifert (Scappoose, Ore./Scappoose HS) (3-4) came on in relief to pitch three innings to earn his third win of the season.
 
Haggett, Nelson and freshman Matt Urakami (San Jose, Calif./Branham HS) crossed the plate twice for the Otters. 
 
The Otters conclude their 2012 campaign with numerous program records including most wins (26) and most conference wins (19).
 
“Our program has come a long way,” said CSUMB Head Coach Walt White. “I am very proud of this group of guys and what we have been able to accomplish in such a short time. Two years ago, so many people doubted my decision to take over this program. But I truly believed that this program could be great and this season is a testament to that belief. We have earned respect and we will continue to work to make this program special. In a few years we will look back on this team as the one that set the foundation for Otter Baseball. I am honored, thankful, and proud to have coached this group.”
 
CSUMB said goodbye to five seniors Danny Nelson, Jared DeCastro, Aaron Appino, Donny Medlinger and Chris Lopiccolo with the conclusion of the season.