Cal Poly defeated Cal State Fullerton 7-6 in a Big West baseball game on May 10, evening the conference series at one game each. The Mustangs’ win keeps them tied with UC Santa Barbara at the top of the Big West standings, both holding an 18-8 record.
The result is significant as it maintains Cal Poly’s position in the race for the conference title. The Mustangs improved their season record to 28-21, while Cal State Fullerton dropped to 22-27 overall and now shares fourth place in the standings.
Jake Downing led Cal Poly offensively, driving in four runs with a home run and a single. Carson Turnquist earned his sixth victory after pitching six innings and Nick Bonn secured his twelfth save by striking out five batters over three innings. “Bonn was lights out in the final two frames of his three-inning stint on the mound, recording a flyout and two strikeouts in the eighth and two more strikeouts and a groundout in the ninth,” according to the release.
Paul Contreras was key for Cal State Fullerton with two hits and four runs batted in, including a three-run home run that narrowed Cal Poly’s lead late in the game. However, Bonn managed to retire nine of ten batters he faced after entering relief.
Defensively, Dylan Kordic made a diving catch that saved a run early for Cal Poly while Downing executed an important play at second base during a Titan hit-and-run attempt. Both teams had notable performances: Downing finished with two singles and a home run; Kordic, Alejandro Garza, and Gavin Spiridonoff also contributed multiple hits for Cal Poly.
Looking ahead, Sunday’s rubber match will feature Josh Volmerding starting for Cal Poly against Dylan Smith of Cal State Fullerton. Volmerding returns from injury for his first start since March.
