The Matadors (5-8) had no luck against Nebraska over the weekend as they lost every match of the four-game series against the Cornhuskers.
In the first game, on Friday, things went wrong for CSUN from the beginning as the Cornhuskers (10-3-1) put up five runs in the second inning to jump out to an early lead.
A two-run shot by CSUN third baseman Ryan Pineda in the fourth inning followed by a solo home run from first baseman Dominic D’Anna gave the Matadors some comeback hopes, but it wasn’t enough.
The Cornhuskers increased their lead with an RBI from catcher Cody Burleson in the sixth inning and never looked back in their 9-3 victory.
Taking the loss for CSUN was right-handed pitcher Ryan McCarney (0-1). He gave up six runs and struck out three batters.
The next day, the Matadors took the field for a doubleheader and, again, didn’t have much fortune.
On the mound in the first game for the Matadors was Ryan Juarez (2-1), who was rocked for 10 runs in his four innings of work.
The Cornhuskers scored seven runs in the second inning to take a commanding 8-0 lead. They never gave up the advantage. The Matadors were able to somewhat stay in it following RBIs from Pineda and D’Anna, but in the end, those runs only served to keep the scoreboard respectable as Nebraska held on to win 11-5.
In game two, CSUN got out to a hot start as it put up four runs in the first inning thanks again to RBIs from Pineda and D’Anna and also from second baseman Westley Wright.
The lead didn’t last. Nebraska pulled off an eight-run inning in the fourth to take a four-run lead that they wouldn’t give up as the Cornhuskers went on to win 12-6.
Taking the loss for the game was relieving pitcher Billy Ott (0-1). He only gave up three hits, but allowed seven earned runs.
In the fourth and final game of the weekend series, on Sunday, CSUN again fell victim to a poor start as its left-handed pitcher, Bryan Harper (0-1), gave up four earned runs on five hits.
Coming into the game in relief duty was right-handed pitcher Jimmy Jolicoeur, who gave up three earned runs and struck out three batters.
The Matadors put up a little offense in the fourth inning as outfielder Richard Cates smashed a double to get himself into scoring position.’ Then D’Anna recorded an RBI as Cates came in to score.
About the only positive note’ of the entire series was the fact that Pineda kept his 13-game hitting streak alive, staying true to form in his sophomore season after being named Big West Conference Freshman of the Year in 2008.
Things don’t get any easier for the Matadors as they will host undefeated San Jose State (9-0) for three straight days at Matador Diamond. The first game is on Friday at 3 p.m