Make sure to check out CBD photographer David Cohen’s photo gallery at the bottom.
NORTHRIDGE, Calif — Cal State Northridge entered the week with the nation’s best fielding percentage, fielding at a .987 clip, but that might not be the case when next week’s rankings are released. The Matadors (7-11) committed three errors Tuesday afternoon at Matador Field, including a pair by third baseman Nicolas Osuna in the first inning that helped San Diego State baseball rush out to an early lead that would never be tested.
The Aztecs (12-4) handily won 12-0, jumping out to a 4-0 lead before Northridge ever got an opportunity to swing the sticks in the first inning. Tim Zier knocked a two-run homer over the left field wall after Greg Allen walked to lead off the game. A pair of singles and a pair of Osuna errors assisted San Diego State with another pair of runs.
The Aztecs added three more tallies in the third, chasing Northridge starter Calvin Copping after Tyler Adkison doubled off the right field wall to score the first run. CJ Saylor made it 8-0 in the fifth inning with an RBI triple down the right field line.
San Diego State baseball loaded the bases in the eighth inning, adding a run on a Zier sacrifice fly and then putting three more on the board when Ty France walloped a homer to left field. France finished 2-for-5 (dropping his average to .446). He now has four homers and 21 RBI to lead the team.
Here’s France talking about his hot hitting and the team’s hot start to the season:
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All the while, SDSU starter TJ Kendzora took advantage of the 4-0 lead he was handed before he ever came out of the bullpen to take the mound for the bottom of the first inning. Kendzora quietly pitched seven shutout innings, scattering seven hits while striking out three. Cody Thompson recorded the final six outs in order to finish off the shutout victory.
Saylor and France finished with three RBI apiece while France, Seby Zavala and Spencer Thornton each had two hits. Thornton scored three times.
Ryan Raslowsky, Nick Blaser and Dylan Alexander each had two hits for Cal State Northridge, but as has been the case often this season, the Matadors left eight men on base. CSUN will host West Virginia for a four-game series starting Thursday at 3:00 p.m. PST.
Here’s the top shots from CBD photographer David Cohen:
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