The Matadors (5-4) got back on the winning track Wednesday at Matador Diamond as they downed Evansville 9-8.’ ‘ ‘

CSUN shortstop T.S. Reed walked to start off the bottom of the first inning and eventually advanced to third after a hit from catcher John Parham and a bunt from outfielder Richard Cates.’ After a wild Evansville pitch, all runners advanced and Reed scored.

Pineda came to the plate and walked with Cates on second base and Parham on third.’ Belanger came up next and walked, which scored Parham.’ Then, CSUN designated hitter Chris Hannick drove in Cates after an error by Evansville shortstop Peter Tountas.’ ‘

The fourth and final run scored by the Matadors in the first inning came when third baseman Ryan Pineda scored on a fielder’s choice from Westley Wright.

Evansville answered back in the top of the second inning when infielder Trentt Copeland smashed a double that scored outfielder Nate Smith. Then, with runners on second and third base, outfielder Alex Acheson drove in two runs with a single to make the game 4-3.

Things were looking good for CSUN in the sixth inning after outfielder C.J. Belanger and Hannick scored on outfielder Billy Swanson’s base hit.’ Then a Parham hit scored Swanson, giving the Matadors a 9-3 lead.

Evansville attempted a comeback in the ninth inning as they loaded the bases with no outs, but Brian Slover came into the game and struck out two batters to get the save and give CSUN a narrow 9-8 victory.

Getting the win for the Matadors was starting pitcher Paul Tremlin (2-0) who gave up three earned runs and struck out four batters in three innings.

The Matadors will travel to Nebraska this weekend for a four-game road series against the Cornhuskers.