Baseball

Runs early in game were enough to stop Matadors

The Fresno State Bulldogs had an early jump on the Matadors, scoring five runs in their first four innings, enough to stop CSUN. The Bulldogs went on to beat Northridge 8-4, with solid pitching from their starting pitcher, Clayton Allison, and lights out performances from their relievers.

Despite having four runs, the Matadors just could not connect with the ball. The first four batters struggled to get a hit, going 5 for 20. Those hitters did a great job compared to the rest of the lineup, which combined to go 1 for 13 for the game.

Starting pitcher Bobby Paschal allowed four runs, three earned, three hits and three walks over three innings of work.

The Matadors faced the Bulldogs again yesterday, and will come back home this weekend to face Washington State in their season home opener. The first game will be on Friday at 2 p.m.

Two players receive Pan American Citrus Tournament honors

A pitcher and first baseman from the Matadors received Texas Pan American Citrus Tournament honors yesterday for their performances last weekend.

Starting pitcher Jimmy Jolicoeur and first baseman Richard Cates were key contributors to the Matadors’ victories over the weekend.

Jolicoeur had an impressive eight-inning, 120-pitch outing, allowing three unearned runs and seven hits. He got the win and improved his season record to 2-0.

Cates went 3 for 7 over the weekend, with two runs and one RBI. He was essential the Matadors’ comeback victory over McNeese State Cowboys.

The Matadors did well in the tournament, winning two of three games. They came from behind to beat McNeese State and Texas Pan-Am, but fell short in their third game against the Lamar Cardinals.

The Matadors have had five comeback victories so far in the season.

Water Polo

Team looks to get back on winning track on road trip

The water polo team started the season with an 11-13 loss to Cal State Bakersfield in Bakersfield, and then went on to beat Pomona Pitzer the same day 14-7. They went on to lose two games, then win two and lost their most recent game to Long Beach State.

The team is inconsistent, but it is still early in the season. They will go on the road this weekend to face Santa Clara on Friday. They will then go face San Jose State on Saturday, and Stanford on Sunday. The team is currently 3-4 in overall play.

Men’s Basketball

Matadors must win remaining games of season

The Matadors will be closing their homestand this Saturday against Cleveland State. They played UC Davis last night. The team must gain momentum and confidence throughout the rest of the season in preparation for the Big West Tournament.