Long Beach State clinched a thrilling walk-off victory against Cal State Fullerton, showcasing resilience in a heated rivalry at Bohl Diamond. The Titans initially took the lead in the first inning, but the Dirtbags quickly tied it and continued to trade runs, leading to a nail-biting ninth. With the bases loaded, Kaiden Smaka hit a decisive single into the left-center gap, driving in the game-winning run to secure the win for Long Beach State.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Long Beach State 4, Cal State Fullerton 3.
  • Smaka's walk-off hit followed a game with three lead changes.
State of Play
  • Fullerton's Lombardi hit a solo home run, tying the game at 3-3 in the eighth inning.
  • Long Beach's Howe struck out 10 batters, demonstrating strong pitching throughout the game.
What's Next

The teams will face off again for the rubber match of the series on Sunday, with the start time adjusted to 2:05 p.m. due to expected rain.

Bottom Line

Long Beach State's ability to stay composed under pressure led them to a dramatic finish, highlighting their competitive spirit and readiness for the series finale against Fullerton.