The Matadors (32-23, 7-15 Big West) could not overcome their slow start losing 7-3 against UC Irvine (32-22, 14-8 Big West).

Missed opportunities helped hinder the Matadors. They had three innings in a row where the batters left a runner on third base and had six innings, in total, leaving runners on base.

The Matadors had seven collective hits in 35 at-bats with junior Yusuke Akitoshi (2-4 one RBI) and freshman Albee Weiss (2-4) getting four of them.

CSUN junior starting pitcher Calvin Copping (6-7) received the loss pitching five innings, allowing five hits, six runs and four earned.

Despite Matadors head coach Greg Moore playing four relief pitchers following Copping’s sixth inning exit, the CSUN batters still could not capitalize on their opportunities.

This was not the case for the visiting Anteaters. Led by a pair of juniors, UC Irvine was able to control the Matadors throughout the duration of the game.

Starting pitcher Elliot Surrey (6-6) who received the win, pitched 8.1 innings, allowed seven hits, three runs and one earned run while first baseman Mitchell Holland went 2-4 with three RBIs.

Holland’s two hits were home runs, a two-run home run in the second inning an a solo shot in the fourth inning.

After starting 1-6 on their 12-game road trip, CSUN won their last five games but came up short at home against UC Irvine where they had a home record of 18-8.

The Matadors are currently seventh in the Big West but will have two more opportunities to beat the Anteaters in this regular season series finale.

Friday’s game against UC Irvine begins at 3 p.m. at Matador Field.