CARSON – Thursday’s doubleheader was split as the Warriors from California State University, Stanislaus traveled south to face their conference opponent, the California State University, Dominguez Hills Toros, losing the first game 4-2 and winning in the afternoon 7-2.
Joe Medeiros, Eli Davis and Colton Beatty combined for seven out of the team’s only nine hits for the game, swinging the bat at 7-for-10 (.700 avg.).
“I couldn’t be more proud of the group of guys that I get the privilege of stepping on the field with each day,”
Davis said. “We have a unique grittiness and competitive edge that I would take to any contest against anyone; we are getting better each day and learning from each other constantly.”
The leadoff man, Justin Manci, was the only Warrior to reach home while scoring twice, first after a throwing error from the catcher in the top of the first with one out and a runner on third. The second score came in the third after DJ Arellano had a sac-bunt to drive in Manci.
“Being our leadoff hitter, my job is to get on base and when I score runs it’s all because [of] my teammates,” Manci said.
Byron Lemon picked up his second loss of the season and is now 2-2, as he tossed six innings and allowed only two runs on seven hits, while walking one and striking out four.
For the Toros, Sean Wardour pitched an outstanding game, picking up his second win and throwing 8 2/3 innings, while allowing only one earned run on nine hits as he walked two and struck out five. He is now 2-2 for the season.
In Game 2, the Warriors amassed seven runs in the first four innings behind Jordan Long and Eli Davis’ 3-for-8, 2 HRs and 7 RBI performance to lead the team’s offense past the Toros.
“After losing Game 1 of the series, we needed to win that Game 2,” Long said. “So with that in mind I was really focused and he gave me a pitch to hit. I am glad I could capitalize on his mistake because it set the tone for the rest of the game.”
Devon Ramirez picked up his second loss of the season for the Toros as he threw 3 2/3 innings and allowed six earned runs on seven hits, while walking three and striking out one.
For the Warriors, Rafael Vasquez pitched superbly as he picked up the win and is now 2-1, throwing 5 1/3 innings, allowing no earned runs and five hits while walking one and striking out four.
Anthony Gotelli then came in for relief in the sixth with one out and allowed only one run on 1 2/3 innings, while allowing one run on two hits and two K’s.
“I felt good, we were up by six so I just came in and tried to pound the zone and let my defense do the work,” Gotelli said.