Just like in their narrow defeat of Northridge the night before, the Dirtbags put up one run against the Matadors on Saturday—unfortunately, it wasn’t enough this time, as the Matadors followed it up with three unanswered, going on to defeat Long beach 3-1 at Blair Field.  Jordan Casas was 2-for-2 with a stolen base to lead the Dirtbags.

Chris Hannick was the main threat for Cal State Northridge, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored to help the Matadors get the win and even the series at one game apiece.

Rylan Sandoval got the scoring started for Long Beach State, coming around in the fifth after leading off the frame with a single. After a walk and a bunt single, Sandoval was able to score on an RBI groundout from Jonathan Jones to put the Dirtbags on top 3-1.

In the top half of the next inning, the Matadors finally reached Long Beach State starter Andrew Gagnon, who had pitched five scoreless innings. Cal State Northridge started the frame with three consecutive singles to load the bases, and then a balk called on Gagnon scored a run. Another single from Justin DeMarco then gave the Matadors the lead.

Hannick was hit by a pitch to start the seventh inning, and would come around to score after a wild pitch from David Born to account for the final score. CSUN’s Paul Tremlin and Brian Slover combined for five innings of two-hit relief to pick up a win and save respectively.

Long Beach State returns to Blair Field Sunday for one more game with the Matadors. The Dirtbags, in addition to trying to take the series with Cal State Northridge will also be hosting “Strike out Cancer” day, with shirts and proceeds going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m

From LBSU reports