Baseball Takes Tough Loss to Azusa Pacific
January 26, 2007

A talented and veteran Azusa Pacific squad gave the young CSUSM baseball team grief on Friday, handing the Cougars a 22-7 loss. Righty Garrett Lebsock got the win, while freshman Chris Skaalen took the loss for the Cougars.

It was a rough day all around for the Cougars, with the largely-freshman pitching staff struggling against Azusa's loaded lineup as well as the dimensions of the San Marcos High field. With the outfield fences around 300 feet away from the plate (a hundred feet shorter than in some parks), there is basically no room for error for either team's pitchers.

On the day, Azusa pounded out 21 hits, five of which were home runs. The Cougars' seven runs came on 11 hits, with two of them clearing the fences. CSUSM made the only error on the day. Azusa outfielder Stephen Gillette led the offensive barrage with a pair of home runs himself.

The loss drops the inaugural CSUSM baseball team to 0-2 on the year. Expect the young squad to have a short memory, however, and improve as the season progresses and they get their feet under them.

Next up for the squad are a couple road games against Point Loma Nazarene and Azusa on the 27th and 29th, respectively, followed by the official home opener for the team on February 2nd. All fans are welcome to participate in the festivities, which will begin at 1:30 PM at the San Marcos High field. The squad will then take on San Diego Christian at 2:00, so come out to cheer for your Cougars!