CSUN took on the Seattle University Redhawks at Robert J. Hiegert Field for their home opener on Friday night in a 10-5 win. The Matadors exploded out of the gates during this contest, scoring seven runs in the first inning.
Seattle U began on the offense, scoring two runs before being brought in on their third out.
Having two runners on base put the Matadors into a prime scoring position, and CSUN third baseman Kyle Panganiban was up to the task. Panganiban hit a home run, bringing the Matadors on base home.
Immediately following this, catcher Xavier Rios ripped one out into deep left field for a home run and got another RBI for the Matadors.
The game proved to undoubtedly favor the Matadors, with the score being 7-2 at the start of the second inning.
The Matadors made quick work of Seattle U on defense by not giving them room for success and sending the game to the bottom of the second.
After a small standstill at the plate, Panganiban stole second when Seattle U least expected it. Attempting to catch Panganiban stealing, the Redhawks’ catcher overthrew third, allowing Panganiban to steal home and giving the Matadors an 8-2 lead.
While Seattle U had many opportunities to score, CSUN continued to shut them down on defense and advanced into the fourth inning
After Seattle U went three and out, the Matadors opened up the bottom of the fourth with Panganiban hitting a jack out into center field, which earned him a second home run on the night.
The Redhawks were then able to put points on the board after much buildup at the top of the fifth, sending a shot out into left field where left fielder Matthew Thomas was unable to make the grab in time. This play drove in three Seattle U runners and brought the score to 9-5.
At the top of the sixth, Panganiban made a jumping play for the ball as he summersaulted over the fence for an immaculate grab, giving the Matadors their second out of the inning.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever done that,” Panganiban said. “That was pretty cool to do that and make a play.”
CSUN pitcher Zach Johnson closed out the inning by leaping into the air and catching a ball hit right back in his direction.
Both teams went three and out all the way until the eighth, when Panganiban hit a laser to left field and obtained another RBI before being picked off at third. 10-5 was the final score as the Matadors walked away with a home opener win.
Johnson spoke briefly about the mindset the team has going into the season after securing their big win.
“We take practice exactly how we play. … It’s just a process, and nothing changes when we are in the game,” said Johnson. “We’re just gonna keep practicing, keep getting better, keep going through the process and doing our job. That’s how we are gonna improve.”
With the series starting 1-0, the Matadors look to build on this momentum and gain another win later today as they face Seattle U once again at Robert J. Hiegert Field at 4 p.m.
The two teams will close out on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Robert J. Hiegert Field at 1 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
