TURLOCK, Calif. -- The Cal State Monterey Bay baseball team whittled its magic number to two games in order to clinch a playoff spot but split Saturday's doubleheader at Stanislaus State by scores of 14-6 and 6-3.
Game one was all Otters as CSUMB got a fantastic performance on the mound and at the plate.
Jorge Alvardo tossed seven solid innings while not allowing his first hit until the sixth inning. He allowed three runs on four but the Otters were well ahead at the point in the game. CSUMB scored one in the first and three runs in the second and third innings to take an early 7-0 lead that they would not relinquish. The Otters would tack on six runs in the ninth inning for good measure in the 14-6 win.
In game two, CSUMB took a 2-1 lead early, but could not keep the Warriors off the board late allowing crooked numbers in the fourth and sixth innings to fall behind 6-2. The Otters plated a run in the top of the ninth but any hops of a comeback were shut down by the Warriors Nick Voumard in the 6-3 loss.
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LEADING OFF... As mentioned above, Alvarado stepped up for CSUMB in his longest outing of the season including a season-high four strikeouts for the third time this season. He also earned his first win (1-3) in eight starts.
ON DECK... In the 14-run game one,
Myles Hager led the Otters with a season-high five RBI. He now leads the team with 42 RBI, 38 of which have come in conference play.
IN THE HOLE... The Otters magic number shrank to two games with a win today and two loss from Sonoma State and Cal State East Bay. The Otters need a combination of wins and Seawolf ad Pioneer losses to clinch a CCAA Tournament berth.
THE LAST WORD... "I'm proud of the way we competed all day. Alvarado threw one of his better games in game 1 and our offense was equally impressive. Game 2 was tightly contested throughout. Stan State was able to come through with a few key hits and the back end of their bullpen is pretty tough. We've put ourselves in position to play these types of meaningful games late in the season. Tomorrow's game will be another challenge and we will be ready."
Head Coach Walt White
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THEY'VE GOT NEXT... Monterey Bay and Stanislaus State will wrap up its four game series on Sunday. First pitch is set for noon.
GO OTTERS!
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