Dirtbags Drop Series Finale to Cal, 7-5

Sunday, February 16

Long Beach, Calif.

1 p.m.

Long Beach State University

2-1

California

1-2

Cal

Long Beach State

Photo by: John Fajardo

2/16/2020 6:18:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Photo Gallery

Long Beach State couldn’t make a late lead hold as a three-run eighth inning proved to be the difference for the visiting Golden Bears. Connor Kokx and Santino Rivera each had a three-hit day for the Dirtbags offense but LBSU couldn’t quite complete the sweep.

By: Tyler Hendrickson, Associate Athletic Communications Director

LONG BEACH, Calif. – The Dirtbags offense opened up for 13 hits on Sunday afternoon, but that didn't translate to a win as Long Beach State (2-1) stranded 14 on base in a 7-5 loss to Cal (1-2) on Sunday afternoon. LBSU held a 5-4 lead in the eighth, but Cal put together a three-run rally in the inning to take the late lead and the Dirtbags stranded the bases loaded in the ninth with a chance to win or extend the game.

Connor Kokx and Santino Rivera each had three-hit games to pace the Dirtbags offense. That's a new career high for Kokx while it's the second three-hit performance for Rivera. Both players had a double and two singles on the day. Calvin Estrada had two hits at the top of the lineup and Cole Joy was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Chase Luttrell recorded a pinch-hit single for the second time this season. The sophomore is now on an eight-game hitting streak going back to the end of last season.

Interestingly, the teams traded two-run innings through the first four frames, leaving the game tied at 4-4 after four. LBSU took its first lead of the game in the seventh inning on an RBI single from Joy that score Luttrell to make it 5-4 Dirtbags. Cal answered in the next half inning, however, starting the inning with an error that helped fuel a three-run rally.

The Dirtbags take the lead! Three straight singles by Luttrell, Rivera & Joy make it a 5-4 Dirtbags lead in the 7th!! #GoBeach pic.twitter.com/Od5eMhAEaR
— LBSU Dirtbags (@LBDirtbags) February 17, 2020

We're tied again!! After an RBI fielder's choice from Cole Joy, he's brought home on this RBI double by Connor Kokx! #GoBeach pic.twitter.com/FncCGN63WW
— LBSU Dirtbags (@LBDirtbags) February 16, 2020

There were also some notable missed opportunities for the Dirtbags offense in the late innings. In the sixth, Jacob Hughey was up with the bases loaded and hit a sharp grounder up the middle. Unfortunately, it ricocheted off the pitcher and bounced right to Cal's shortstop for the unlucky 1-6-3 putout to deny LBSU of a sure two runs. In the eighth with runners on first and second, Jesse Lopez flared a ball down the right field line where Cal's Max Flower made a terrific diving grab, saving at least one run from scoring. Then in the ninth, LBSU had the bases juiced with two outs before a flyout to center field ended it.

GOT HIM! Calvin Estrada with the throw from right, Cole Joy with the spinning tag to cut down the runner at the plate & end the inning! #GoBeach pic.twitter.com/0dnOv4LcRF
— LBSU Dirtbags (@LBDirtbags) February 16, 2020

Freshman Luis Ramirez got his first start of the season, going 4.1 innings while allowing four runs. He was relieved by Jake Rons, who also made his Long Beach State debut on Sunday. LBSU's final reliever was Matt Fields, who returned to the mound after missing most of last season with injury. Fields tossed a perfect ninth inning with a strikeout.

The loss denies the Dirtbags a series sweep on opening weekend, but also snaps LBSU's home winning streak at eight games going back to the end of the 2019 season. LBSU will look to start a new streak on Tuesday night, hosting Washington at 6 p.m.