SEASIDE, Calif. – The No. 23-ranked Cal State Monterey Bay baseball team fell victim to a nine-run seventh inning to eventually drop the series opener against Cal Poly Pomona, 14-13, Friday afternoon at the Otter Sports Complex.
What had been a strength for the Otters early this season proved to be their Achilles' heel on Friday. The CSUMB bullpen that had shut the door in all seven wins this season got roughed up for nine runs in the seventh inning after the CCAA-leading defense made two costly errors.
Despite the setback in the seventh, the Otters nearly climbed out of the self-inflicted hole, scoring six runs in the final three innings and putting the tying run on base before falling just short.
The Otters banged out 16 hits in the losing effort.
JJ Engman led the offensive onslaught with a 4-for-4 day that included two home runs. He drove in three and scored three times.
KW Quilici also went deep and collected three hits, while Cole Muchison batted 2-for-4.
CSUMB hurler
Nate Rohlicek allowed four runs on seven hits and struck four in his 99-pitch six inning start.
The Broncos struck quickly as they hit a leadoff home run to start the series. The Otters promptly responded in the bottom half as Quilici made CPP pay after back-to-back walks, sending a shot over the wall in dead-centerfield to hand the Otters the 3-1 first inning lead.
CSUMB tacked on another in the third with two outs when
Dominic Felice found real estate in right center field to plate
Jaden Sheppard from third.
The Otters expanded their lead to 6-2 when Engman drilled the trees in left field for his fourth home run of the season. CSUMB tacked on another as a Bronco error with two outs and the bases loaded scored Sheppard.
After the nine-run seventh by the Broncos, the Otters got two runs back as Engman connected for his second home run of the game and Sheppard recorded a groundout RBI to move the score to 13-9.
CSUMB freshman
Aidan Mowins came in to pinch hit and made the most of his opportunity as he smacked his first career collegiate home run by clearing the wall in right for a solo shot in the eighth.
The Otters made some noise in the ninth and were opportunistic, taking advantage of two Bronco throwing errors to score three and pull within one at 14-13 with the tying run on base.
The two teams will return to action tomorrow. First pitch is slated for Noon and admission is free.
