CSUN hosted the University of California, Berkley (Cal) Golden Bears in the final non-conference game of the regular season on Thursday afternoon at Matador Diamond. The Matadors came into the game riding a mini two-game winning streak, looking to extend that streak to a season high of three. What took place was a fast-paced, low-scoring affair that saw CSUN’s offense explode in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a late lead and win 6-3.
This was the first win over the Golden Bears in 31 years for the Matadors, after losing the previous eight matchups.
Head coach Jodie Cox spoke about the win and team’s progress as non-conference play has officially concluded.
“We talk a lot about not quitting. We know we’re really talented, it’s just, you know, getting the right pieces together and getting everyone going in the right direction. Actually, today we had a couple of starters out sick,” Cox said. “People really stepped it up today, and that’s been the theme these past several weeks. When they are getting their opportunities, they are really seizing the opportunity, and it has just helped us out so much.”
Cal wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, using a two-out rally to give themselves a quick 1-0 lead. It was an early pitchers’ duel that saw the Matadors offense quiet for the most part until the bottom of the third inning.
With two outs, designated player Perseus Yanez lit a spark for the Matadors, knocking in a run to cut the deficit in half. Later on in the inning CSUN loaded bases, taking the lead off a hit by pitch, giving them the 2-1 advantage.
This game had the theme of two out rallies, as it didn’t take long for Cal to grab the lead right back in the top of the fourth inning. With a runner on, third baseman Madison Rey launched a two-run home run, nailing the scoreboard in left center to make it 3-2.
Both offenses stalled for the next few innings, and with six outs to go for the Matadors, the game looked bleak. For the final time with two outs, the CSUN offense woke up and scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth.
CSUN pinch hitter Maddie Padilla started off the rally with a bloop single that never left the infield, tying things up at three. Then it was the hero of the game, second baseman Vanessa Perez, who wound up knocking in the game-winning run with an RBI single through the left side. This gave the Matadors a 4-3 lead. CSUN capped off the inning with another RBI single, this time from catcher Isabella Hiner.
Perez talked about her approach during her game-winning at-bat.
“I knew we had to get a run in, so I just knew as long as I got a base hit we were going to send the runner from second. I had to get my job done, and I know that my coach trusted me to get the job done,” Perez said.
Alizae Cole nailed down the win officially in the top of the seventh. Cole was the unsung hero in this one for the Matadors, providing much needed pitching and going three innings of shutout ball, while allowing just two hits and two walks.
The Matadors ride their three-game winning streak up to UC Santa Barbara for a huge series in a Big West conference showdown. The first game takes place starting Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m.
“This game is all about momentum — we play a really good Santa Barbara team this weekend,” Cox said.. I think just keeping it simple, regardless of the score, we are always trying to stack those little wins. Winning one pitch at a time and winning each inning and just being able to build on good things. “Hopefully the momentum from today carries us.,” Cox said.
