Playing the first game of a two-game series, Cougar baseball soundly defeated the University of Sioux Falls 15-4 on Wednesday at Point Loma Nazarene.

CSUSM improves to 21-10-1 this season.  Sioux Falls drops to 14-8.

Though CSUSM committed five errors on the day, the defense was overall much better than that would indicate, as four of the errors came in the top of the second inning in which only one run scored.  The defense turned a  school-record six double plays in the contest, with second baseman Omar Manzanarez and shortstop Johnny Omahen doing great work up the middle and making some very nifty turns.

On the mound, starting pitcher Kyle Smart went three innings, allowing two earned runs.  He gave way to Eric Julienne, who was outstanding in four full innings of work, surrendering just one hit and an unearned run en route to picking up his first win of the season.  Auggie Richardson and Omahen, making his second-ever appearance on the mound, closed out the game with scoreless innings each.

At the plate, CSUSM was relentless, scoring in seven of a possible eight innings.  Omahen went 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 3 stolen bases; Kyle Secciani went 2-for-4 with 3 runs scored; Ryle Parks was 2-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBI; Kevin Silvett went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI; and Manzanarez went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI.

In total, 13 CSUSM players recorded base hits, with 9 different players recording at least one RBI.

These teams will close out their series tomorrow at 3 PM, once again at Point Loma.