CARSON, Calif. — Trailing by a run with nobody on and two outs in the ninth inning is usually a death sentence for a baseball team. But as it has done throught the 2022 season, Cal State Monterey Bay somehow found a way to rise, scoring four times from death's doorstep to earn a 6–3 win over CCAA contender Cal State Dominguez Hills Thursday afternoon at Toro Field.
The win lifts the No. 18 ranked Otters to 23–10 overall and 23–6 in CCAA play. CSUMB maintains its 1 1/2 game lead over Chico State (a 20–11 winner over San Bernardino Thursday) and stretches its lead over Dominguez Hills (21–14, 16–9) to five games with 11 left to play.
First baseman
Jason Ajamian (Pasadena/CSUN) came up with a clutch, bases–loaded single in the ninth to put the Otters on top 4–3. Designated hitter
Jacob Martin (Bloomington HS/Chaffey College) followed with a 2–run double to give CSUMB some breathing room.
None of that would have been possible, however, without the top of the lineup setting the table.
Chase Lindemann (Saugus HS/Hartnell College) started the rally when he was hit by a 3–2 pitch.
Brady Miguel (San Benito HS) then drew a walk before both runners advanced on a passed ball. The Toros choose to intentionally walk
Kyle Guerra (San Leandro HS) to load the bases, setting the stage for Ajamian and Martin to play the role of heroes.
Sophomore
Christian McInerney (Benicia HS/Sacramento CC) got the final out to escape a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the eighth and earn his third win of 2022.
Chris Tonna (Fremont/Chabot College) pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.
THE GAME WAS OVER WHEN… Jacob Martin's 2–run double gave CSUMB a 6–3 lead in the ninth.
STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT… For the seventh time in their last eight CCAA series, CSUMB opened with a win. Not coincidentally, the Otters have either won (7) or split (1) their last eight CCAA series.
CARDIAC KIDS… Friday afternoon, for the third time in their last eight games, the Otters came back to win the game in their final at bats. It marked the eighth time overall this season that the Otters have turned that trick.
EXTRA BASES… DOUBLES: Jacob Martin (9). TRIPLES: None. HOME RUNS: None.
THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters continue their 4–game series against the Toros with a Friday doubleheader starting at noon.
GO OTTERS!
