After Pepperdine struck first, CSUN picked up momentum and brought the energy in a 12-1 win on Monday night, putting them on a two-game winning streak. The big victory brought the Matadors to 10-6.
The game began with the teams trading strikeouts, closing the first and second innings quickly. At the top of the third, Pepperdine scored and loaded the bases.
Matador right-handed pitcher Adam Christopher was able to relieve stress and close out the inning, limiting the damage to one run.
The bottom of the third began and CSUN outfielder Will Linberg got the game rolling with a crucial double, which was backed up by outfielder Andrew Becker. Becker had a double and RBI immediately after to tie up the game 1-1.
To break the tie and continue running the game, first baseman Matthew Thomas hit a two-RBI triple, resulting in a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the third, CSUN posted five runs and five hits, resulting in a 5-1 lead.
Both teams were scoreless the entirety of the fourth inning.
Linberg kicked off hits once again with his second double of the game and infielder Trent Abel followed with a two-RBI double to extend the lead 7-1. Abel was able to score on a wild pitch, making it 8-1.
Two walks and a hit led to bases loaded. With anticipation, third baseman Kyle Panganiban hit a grand slam, racking up the score to 12-1 at the bottom of the fifth.
Panganiban spoke on what was going through his head at that moment.
“Honestly, just trying to barrel the ball. Today felt pretty rough in the box at the first three at-bats,” Panganiban said. “I was just kind of just trying to be loose and … just hit the ball really, and it just worked out in my favor.”
Pepperdine remained scoreless for the last four consecutive innings.
After being more than 10 runs ahead of Pepperdine in the seventh inning, the game ended due to the NCAA 10-run rule.
Linberg, who was crucial in kickstarting the energy for CSUN, said the team will work to keep the momentum for the next matchup.
“I think the scoreboard kind of shows, like, we’re a team that plays with a lot of momentum. Like when the first guy gets going, everyone else kind of follows,” Linberg said. “I think if we keep doing what we’re doing, it’s only up from here.”
CSUN resumes Big West play on Friday night at Robert J. Hiegert Field, hosting UC San Diego at 5 p.m.
