The Cal State San Marcos baseball team endured a challenging final game against Cal State Dominguez Hills, losing 12-5 and finishing the series with a split. The Cougars, now 22-9 overall and 9-7 in the CCAA, initially took the lead but faltered in the eighth inning, where the Toros scored nine runs. Key contributions for CSUSM included Jake Larson's two RBIs and solid performances from Michael Weber and Leighton Helfrick.

By the Numbers
  • CSUSM led 4-1 until the eighth inning before yielding nine runs to CSUDH.
  • Cal State Dominguez Hills improved to 15-18, while CSUSM's record stands at 22-9.
Yes, But

Despite having a strong start and leading through multiple innings, the Cougars' late-game struggles highlight a potential vulnerability in their bullpen during high-pressure situations.

State of Play
  • The Cougars remain tied for third in the CCAA standings with Cal State East Bay.
  • This series split marks the first since 2023 and leaves CSUSM with a historical record of 23-21 against CSUDH.
What's Next

CSUSM will host No. 10 Cal State Monterey Bay in a four-game series next weekend, aiming to regain momentum and improve their regional ranking.

Bottom Line

While the Cougars demonstrated competitive play against the Toros, their inability to maintain leads raises questions about their consistency, particularly in late-game scenarios. Future games will be critical in determining their standing in the CCAA and preparing for postseason play.