By Daniel Giovati
Sports Editor
Nearly halfway through its 44-game conference season, two things stand out with the CSUDH baseball team:
The offense is clicking on many levels, and sees a marked improvement from last season.
The pitching? Well, that’s another story.
In conference play, CSUDH ranks in the top half of the 12-team California Collegiate Athletic Association every major offensive category. The Toros have scored at least five runs in half of their conference games and are second overall in runs scored.
The team has 10 home runs, good for third in the conference, and is second in conference RBI’s.
All are big improvements from last season’s offense, which finished sixth in the conference in runs, home runs, and RBIs.
The offensive turn around may have a lot to do with a stat that is not always talked about. Last season CSUDH was dead last in the conference in walks, they are sixth this season.
However, consistent offensive production has not translated to overall success for the Toros as their pitching ranks among the conference’s lowest.
CSUDH pitchers have a combined 6.95 ERA this season and opposing batters are hitting at a .314 clip. The Toro have also allowed 15 home runs, the most in the conference.
Despite the pitching woes, the team has battled throughout the season.
“One thing this club never does, is quit,” head coach Tyler Wright said. “ They continue to fight to the last pitch and do everything they can to try and pull out wins from an effort stand point.”
The pitching staff has dealt with injuries to key players like junior ace Rigo Fernandez but Wright doesn’t use that as an excuse.
“Injuries will happen throughout the season and you have to find ways to overcome those obstacles,” said Wright.
Junior relief pitcher Ian Codina has been a bright spot for Toro pitching. Codina has a 1.83 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 19.2 innings. Opponents are hitting .216 against him.
“He’s relentless on the mound and is always attacking hitter,” Wright said. “He’s always ahead in the count, he locates his fastball to both sides of the plate, and can consistently get a breaking ball over.”
The Toros are 4-12 in conference play, and 7-15 overall.
