Box Score NAIA No. 2-ranked PLNU opened the 2010 campaign in an unsatisfactory way: a 1-1 tie with visiting Cal State San Marcos Wednesday afternoon. After 12 innings of play, the game was called due to darkness. No makeup date is set and might not be since the two non-conference squads do not play again this season.

In a game where base runners were at a premium, the Sea Lions were fortunate to come away with the tie after they fell behind 1-0 in the top of the 11th inning. That's when Cougar second baseman Omar Manzanarez plated shortstop Johnny Omahen with a single to right.

PLNU responded in the home half of the frame, however. Shortstop Tyler Kuehl doubled to open the inning and was advanced to third by a sac bunt from first baseman Ian MacMaster. Catcher Drew Bernhard followed by collecting just the fifth hit of the game for the Sea Lions – but the biggest one – driving in Kuehl and knotting the score.

Neither side managed a run in the 12th inning, and with the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean, the season opener at Carroll B. Land Stadium was halted.

A pitcher's duel from start to finish, PLNU's Steven Winnick surrendered a leadoff double to Kyle Secciani, but it was a ball that just as easily could have been caught. That would be the only hit Winnick allowed during his seven innings of stellar work. The converted closer was economical in his approach during his first start in as a Sea Lion. Though he posted an impressive eight strikeouts, Winnick did not appear to overthrow.

Davis Koening took the ball for PLNU in the eighth and tossed four innings. The senior lefty yielded a run on three hits but fanned four. Kenny Houser threw a scoreless 12th to close the day out.

Brett Miller lasted seven innings for Cal State San Marcos. The SDSU transfer was nearly as dominating as his counterpart, setting five hitters down on strikeout and giving up just two hits. The Cougars went to the well the remainder of the game, utilizing six hurlers who surrendered just three hits combined. Johnny Holtman blew the save opportunity but allowed just one run on one hit.

Omahen was the lone player for either side to had more than one base knock.

PLNU returns to action on Friday when they host Savannah College of Art & Design for a 2:00 pm tilt. The same two teams will play a twinbill on Saturday.