CARSON – In Friday’s doubleheader, the Warriors from California State University, Stanislaus won the first game 7-2 against California State University, Dominguez Hills; however, they dropped the second game, losing 5-6 in extra innings.
The Warriors began swinging the bat hot as they scored six of their seven runs in the first two innings. Eli Davis went a staggering 4-for-5 with an RBI and run scored to lead an offense that amassed seven runs on nine hits.
“At the end of the day it’s all about winning, that’s all we care about and all we want to do,” Davis said. “It’s a team effort and everyone understands that; these guys are a great group of guys and the best is yet to come.”
Four of the nine starters contributed with an RBI to help an offense that ranks in the bottom half of the conference in RBIs (106) thus far.
Justin Manci went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI and was one of two hitters with multiple hits for the game.
“What has helped me stay focused this year is slowing the game down and sticking to my approach.” Manci said.
Phil Quade is now 2-1 as he picked up the win after throwing six innings, allowing only one earned run on five hits, with four walks and strikeouts.
Coming in for relief in the seventh was Chris Short, who pitched three shutout innings allowing only two hits and striking out two as he picked up his second save of the season.
“I go in with a calm and relax demeanor every outing, no matter what the situation, whether we have a five-run lead or a tied ball game in the ninth.” Short said.
For the Toros, pitcher Nick Plantz picked up his second loss of the season as he went 1 2/3 innings while allowing six runs on two hits and walking five.
The second and final game of the series went into the tenth inning as the Warriors fell to the Toros after freshman pitcher Dustin Baisdon was called in for Anthony Gotelli in the tenth.
The first batter got on with a single, which then moved to second after the next batter grounded out to first. Baisdon then walked Young, and with one out and runners on first and second, Carlos Avila doubled to right center, scoring Akiyama on the bottom of the inning.
Baisdon picked up his first loss of the season as he managed to throw only 1/3 inning after struggling early.
The Warriors offensive leader in most categories played well as he continued his consistency in the lead off spot once again as Justin Manci went 1-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI in the third inning putting the Warriors up 2-0 by this time.
The offense was only able to get six hits as opposed to the opponents 14 hits, but somehow still kept it close. Leading the way offensively was Colton Beatty who went 2-for-4 with a 2-RBI single in the sixth to take the lead 5-3.
All of the starters for the Toros had a hit in the second game as they hit 14-for-37 (.378) for the game with three Toros amassing multiple hits.
Anthony Gotelli came in to relief in the sixth as he tossed four innings while allowing only two runs on six hits, and walking and striking out one.
“It’s always nice to get the ball 2 days in a row with a chance to nail it down,” Gotelli said. “Friday was a crazy day, we came out swinging in the first game, the second we jumped to an early lead then couldn’t add on.”
Matt Montgomery was stellar in relief picking up his first win of the year for the Toros, as he went four shutout innings allowing no hits, walks or runs while striking out two.
Action will resume this upcoming weekend as the Warriors face off against the California State University, Monterey Bay Sea Otters in a four-game series beginning at home on Friday  at 3 p.m., a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. and finish at home for the Warriors Sunday with the game set to begin at 11 a.m.
“This is a big series for us this weekend and as a team we have to stay focused and stick to our game plan.” Manci said.