SAN DIEGO - The margin for error in baseball can be so small. Many times it can be that one pitch, executing a late double play or making a productive out that is the difference between a win and a loss in this sport. After today's game, there will be a couple of those moments the Point Loma baseball team would like to have back following its 2-1 loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills. (Feb. 15)
 
Trevor Abshire started for the Sea Lions and went 6.2 innings, however he left one over the plate and that was the difference in the game. In the second inning, Abshire hit the leadoff batter and then gave up a two-run homer to Dalton Duarte, to account for the Toros' only runs of the game. Abshire would finish the contest allowing just three hits and two earned runs while striking out a season-high eight in 6.2 innings.
 
Point Loma did not put its first run on the board until Tyler Flores blasted a solo home run in the ninth off reliever Nick Suniga. CSUDH's starter Rigo Fernandez (1-0) went six innings allowing two hits and no runs while also striking out eight to earn the victory. Suniga struggled through the ninth, allowing three hits, a walk and a run, but still managed to get his first save of the season.
 
Team Records
Point Loma (3-4), Cal State Dominguez Hills (2-2)
 
The Turning Point
The Sea Lions battled until the last pitch. After going into the ninth trailing 2-0, PLNU got a solo home run from Tyler Flores to start the inning to cut the deficit in half. Point Loma then proceeded to loaded the bases with one out, but CSUDH was able to get the ground ball it needed back to the pitcher, who threw the ball home and then to first to complete the game-ending 1-2-3 double play.
 
Schaefer speaks
On today's pitching: "I thought Trevor and Robbie were both outstanding on the mound today. Our goal is to get a little better every day we step on the field. On the mound, that was a big step in the right direction and hopefully it sets the tone for the rest of the weekend."
 
On the bottom of the 9th: "That was the first time all game that we had a consistent approach. We were able to stay with the play, fight off some tough pitches the other way and we got rewarded for it. There is fire and competitiveness in this group, we just aren't getting the results yet. Hopefully we can carry over some of this ninth-inning approach over to tomorrow's game."
 
News and Notes
> Micah Pries and Tyler Flores have all hit safely in all seven games this season
> Flores has four home runs has already eclipsed his total from last season (three)
> Point Loma has committed three or more errors in five of seven games
> The 6.2 innings pitched was the first time a Sea Lion starter has gone past 5.0 innings this year
 
Up Next
These teams will continue their three-game series with another single, nine-inning game on Friday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.