In a game that featured just one extra base hit, Cal State San Marcos baseball prevailed 8-2 over Sioux Falls on Thursday, thanks largely to six strong innings from starting pitcher Travis McCracken.

CSUSM improves to 22-10-1 this season, while Sioux Falls drops to 14-10.

Playing for the second straight day at scenic Carroll B. Land Field at Point Loma Nazarene University, the two teams took a tight game into the seventh inning before CSUSM blew it open.

McCracken picked up the well-deserved win, striking out a season-high 9 while surrendering just 2 runs on 5 hits.  He adds to his team-leading win total, and is now 6-3 this season.

Up just 3-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Cougars took advantage of Sioux Falls starting pitcher Tomek's exit from the game.  CSUSM immediately jumped on the Sioux Falls bullpen, with Kyle Secciani leading off with a single and Kevin Silvett doubling down the left field line.  That put two runners for scoring position for Josh Miller, and he cashed in with a big RBI single to right.  Ryle Parks followed that up with an RBI base hit of his own, and after a fielder's choice and an out, Patrick Gray delivered the big blow with a two out, two RBI single to right that put his team up 7-2.

Also recording RBI's were Mitch Ferguson, Omar Manzanarez, and Jack Graham.

Relief pitcher Ricky Chavarria entered the game in the seventh for CSUSM, and worked two strong innings of one-hit ball.  Closer Spencer Pardon finished off the win with an easy ninth.

The Cougars will be in action tomorrow at Cal State Dominguez-Hills.