Three-Run Ninth Gives Dirtbags Series Win Over Rival Titans

Sunday, May 23

Fullerton, Calif.

1 P.M.

Long Beach State University

24-15, 0

Cal State Fullerton

20-31, 0

Long Beach State

Cal St. Fullerton

Photo by: John Fajardo

5/23/2021 4:29:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

The Dirtbags and Titans had a pitchers’ dual in the series finale, but a three-run ninth gave LBSU a 4-1 victory to take the series.

FULLERTON, Calif. – Long Beach State (24-15, 22-14 BWC) plated three runs in the top of the ninth to beat Cal State Fullerton (20-31, 13-19 BWC) in the series finale. Toren Craig came up clutch with the game-winning RBI to give the Dirtbags the 4-1 victory.

For the fourth straight game, Long Beach State plated a run in the first inning taking the early lead in the series finale. With one out, the Dirtbags rattled off three straight hits with Isaac Ramirez driving in the run on an RBI double down the left field line.

The Titans tied the game in the third on a solo home run off and that would be the only scoring until the ninth as both starting pitchers settled in and shut down the offenses.

For the Dirtbags, Noble needed just 85 pitches to get through seven innings of one-run ball. The right-hander surrended four hits and a walk while striking out six. He retired the final 14 batters he faced before handing the ball off to the bullpen.

On the other side, Kyle Luckham threw 7.1 innings holding the Dirtbags to just one run on five hits.

Long Beach State finally broke through and reclaimed the lead in the ninth. After a leadoff double from Calvin Estrada, Toren Craig drove him in with an RBI single into left giving the Dirtbags a 2-1 lead.

Connor Kokx came up big with a two-run home run giving Long Beach State some insurance a three-run lead. He now has six on the season to go along 27 RBI.

Devereaux Harrison was lights out once again, picking up the victory with two scoreless innings to close out the ballgame.

With the win, the Dirtbags win their first series against the Titans since the 2017 regular season.

The Dirtbags will close out the 2021 regular season at home next weekend as they welcome UC Davis to Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.