GAME RECAP: Toreros Get Past the Dirtbags in 11-Inning Thriller

LONG BEACH, CA – The San Diego Toreros refused to fade away, erasing a two-run deficit and pouncing on two critical Long Beach State errors in the 11th inning to secure a gritty 6-3 extra-innings win over the Dirtbags on Tuesday afternoon at Blair Field.

San Diego improved to 3-1 on the young season, while Long Beach State fell to 1-3.

The Dirtbags struck first with classic small-ball execution. In the bottom of the first, Matt Toomey lifted a sacrifice fly to deep center that plated Trevor Goldenetz for a 1-0 lead. They added to it in the fourth when Aaron Perez delivered another sac fly, scoring Trotter Enright to make it 2-0.

But the Toreros clawed back with timely power. In the seventh, catcher Jayden Lobliner launched a solo home run to deep center field, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and igniting the comeback.

San Diego seized its first lead in the eighth. Andrew Gauna and Tanner Kern reached base ahead of Aden Howard, who ripped a two-RBI double to put the Toreros in front 3-2.

Long Beach State answered in the ninth. Jake Evans’ sacrifice fly scored Taylor Tomlin to knot the game at 3-3 and send it to extras.

The decisive blow came in the 11th. With runners on, a throwing error by Dirtbags shortstop Trotter Enright allowed Gabe Springer and Connor Meidroth to score, pushing San Diego ahead 5-3. Moments later, center fielder Trevor Goldenetz misplayed a ball for a fielding error that brought home Gauna and extended the lead to 6-3.

The Toreros managed just five hits on the day but drew eight walks and were hit by four pitches, wearing down the LBSU staff over the long haul. Lobliner finished 2-for-5 with the homer and an RBI, while Connor Meidroth went 2-for-4 and Howard drove in two with his double. Gauna scored twice after reaching via the errors.

On the mound, San Diego’s bullpen delivered when it mattered most. Nate Deschryver (2-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, walking two and striking out one. Caleb Sebek came on to record the save. The unit limited the Dirtbags to six hits while stranding 11 runners.

Long Beach State scattered six hits of its own but couldn’t cash in beyond its three sacrifice flies. Toomey went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and the defense ultimately cost them in the extras.

The Toreros head home with momentum after stealing this one on the road in dramatic fashion. Long Beach State will look to shake off the defensive miscues as conference play approaches.