The California State University San Marcos pitching staff held Biola to just three total runs as they dropped both games of the home doubleheader, 10-2 and 3-1 on Friday.
Junior starting pitcher Nick Turner was roughed up for the second straight time at home, giving up six runs on eight hits in five innings pitched in game one. Senior Kevin Ryan pitched the final four innings, giving up four runs on four hits.
Turner has not won a game since the season opener at home against La Sierra University.
Fages, Cottier provide Biola’s offense
Some silver lining did exist amidst the game one blowout, as senior third baseman Drake Fages launched a solo home run to left field in his first at-bat of the game, tying the game at one apiece in the second inning. Biola was otherwise held in check by San Marcos starting pitcher James Dykstra, who limited the Eagles to two runs on five hits, striking out six over seven innings pitched.
Biola’s only other runs came from junior designated hitter Wes Cottier, who hit a solo home run in each game, his fourth and fifth of the year.
Game two featured the second straight start for sophomore Javier Martinez, who notched his first win of the season last Saturday at Vanguard University. Despite only giving up two runs on four hits, Martinez was handed his second loss of the year as the Biola offense was held to only one run and six hits.
Martinez finding success since move to the rotation
Martinez struck out five over five innings, and has struck out 12 batters in his last nine innings pitched.
Cottier’s second homer of the day tied the game in the second inning, with the game remaining knotted up at one before San Marcos center fielder Kyle Secciani’s sacrifice fly broke the tie in the fifth.
The losses drop Biola to 13-16 on the season, yet they still remain 6-6 in Golden State Athletic Conference play as these four games with San Marcos were non-conference matchups.
Next Thursday will mark the Eagles return to Golden State Athletic Conference play as they travel to Santa Clarita to face The Master’s College. The Mustangs sit in third place in GSAC standings, one spot above Biola.
