The Matadors lost to Cal Baptist in a close game on Tuesday. After being down the majority of the game, the Matadors rallied in the ninth inning with four home runs to tie up the game, forcing extra innings. Cal Baptist had a go-ahead run at the top of the 11th inning due to a CSUN fielding error, which led them to a 9-7 victory.
The game began with two shutout innings from Matador pitcher Gage McCown, and both innings were scoreless for CSUN. A solo home run in the top of the third started the day for Cal Baptist 1-0.
A pitching change for the Matadors at the top of the fourth occurred. A three-run homerun, as well as a sacrifice flyout in the top of the fifth, extended the lead for Cal Baptist 5-0.
After going scoreless for four consecutive innings, catcher Matthew Cormier was able to open up the scoring for the Matadors with a solo homerun in the bottom of the fifth. Following him was a single from second baseman Colton Boardman and a double from outfielder Matthew Thomas.
A groundout led to Boardman scoring, but the Matadors still trailed 5-2.
Cal Baptist will be joining the Big West Conference next season. Cormier spoke on how this game is a preview of the future and what the Matadors can do to prepare to see them regularly.
“After this season, they’re kind of a powerhouse this year and have some good arms. But after facing some good arms this past weekend, I think we’ll get it down, and they’ll be some good contenders next year,” Cormier said. “I think we can put up some better at-bats throughout the whole game.”
The sixth and seventh innings were scoreless for both teams. Cal Baptist was able to score two more due to RBI hits in the top of the eighth, with the score being 7-2.
CSUN answered with an explosive ninth inning. Outfielder Will Linberg began the inning with a solo home run, followed by a walk from Thomas and third baseman Kyle Panganiban who had a two-run home run.
With one out, pinch-hitter Cameron Calvillo further closed the scoring gap with a solo shot. The score was then 7-6.
Now, with two outs, shortstop Trent Abel tied up the game with a solo homerun, 7-7, forcing extra innings.
Following the game, Abel said it was fulfilling to execute for his team during a pivotal moment.
Both teams went scoreless in the tenth inning, and Cal Baptist was able to finish the game 9-7 after a field error from the Matadors.
CSUN is set to play UC Santa Barbara this weekend to conclude their last home series. The first game is slated for Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Thomas from the Matadors, who is leading the Big West in multiple offensive categories, spoke about what he and the team are going to do to prepare to face the Gauchos.
“I don’t think the approach changes, just trying to look for something I can hit hard and have good at-bats and help the team win anyway I can,” Thomas said. “I know Santa Barbara’s got some good pitching, so we’ll adjust accordingly, approach-wise, but just look forward to going in there and competing against them.”
