From LBSU reports

Fighting off a bad illness, Long Beach State starter Jake Thompson rallied for a strong start on Sunday, pitching well enough to nab the Dirtbags a series win over Northridge, as they pulled out a gritty 5-2 victory.  Thompson started the game by pitching three perfect innings, and over six and a third allowed just two runs while striking out three.  Jordan Casas had two hits and drove in three runs.

The Dirtbags got on the board in the second inning, when Casas drove in two of his three RBI. With two outs and the bases loaded, Casas singled through the right side to bring home Steve Tinoco and Kellen Hoime and put The Beach ahead 2-0.

Cal State Northridge pulled back one run in the fourth inning with a pair of singles and some productive outs, and reached a tiring Thompson in the seventh, as Chris Hannick doubled down the line to tie the game.

The deadlock didn’t last long, however, as Long Beach State answered back in the bottom half of the seventh. After a walk and a single, Casas again came through with runners in scoring position with his second hit of the day to score Taylor Krick and put Long Beach State back on top.

The Dirtbags added two more insurance runs in the eighth inning. Jonathan Jones singled to start the action, and a single by John Hill was misplayed by Matador Jeff Pruitt, rolling all the way to the wall and scoring Jones. With Tre Dennis on third as a pinch runner, a sacrifice fly put the Dirtbags ahead 5-2.

Charlie Ruiz picked up the first two outs of the ninth after coming in the top of the eighth, and Josh Corrales entered to close the door, getting Jason Dabbs to roll into a fielder’s choice for the freshman’s first collegiate save with his ailing father in attendance.

The Dirtbags travel to San Diego next Tuesday for a nationally televised contest with San Diego State. The Aztecs won a hard-fought game between the two teams on April 7 4-3. Fans wishing to watch the game can catch the contest on CBS College Sports at 6 p.m.