Box Score SAN MARCOS, Calif.— Cal State San Marcos shortstop Tyler Bernard knocked as many base hits as the entire No. 9 Concordia team, but the Eagles managed to come away with a 4-1 victory Thursday afternoon at the CSUSM Baseball Field.

Bernard went 3-for-4 at the plate and the No. 16 Cougars outhit the Eagles 6-3, but a pair of hit batters and three walks in the fifth inning proved to be the difference.

CSUSM starter Kevin Hilton (3-2) was lights out on the mound early, not allowing a hit until the first pitch of the fifth inning. However, the Eagles jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning after a fielding error, passed ball, and groundout.

The Cougars evened the score in the bottom of the fourth after Brandon Bentson singled up the middle and Dylan Costello eventually drove him home with a sharp single through the left side of the infield with two outs.

The lead would not last long, however, as Hilton's no hitter was broken up by Atlee Schwab in the fifth inning. After inducing a groundout and strikeout, the junior hurler walked and hit the next two batters to load the bases. He was pulled after a tough full-count battle with Nolan Clark resulted in a walk, allowing the Eagles to retake the lead.

In all, Hilton went 4.2 innings allowing just one hit and striking out five batters, but was credited with three earned runs after two more runners on base went around to score, giving Concordia a 4-1 lead.

Matt Bataska had a strong day in relief, allowing just one hit over 3.1 innings and striking out four, but the Cougars were unable to bring any more runners home against Concordia starter Keegan Yuhl.

CSUSM had several batters hit balls to deep center field that looked like they might go for extra bases, but ended up with nothing to show for it. Neither team recorded an extra base hit on the day.

Costello hit arguably the hardest shot of the day in the bottom of the eighth inning-- a screaming line drive that looked to bring home Bentson once again-- but Eagles shortstop Spencer Nielsen made a terrific diving snag while fully extended to end the inning and the rally.

CSUSM drops to 15-10 on the season with the loss, while Concordia improved to 24-9 with the victory. The teams will meet again for a doubleheader in Irvine on Saturday. The Cougars next home games are Friday March 28 and 29 against No. 22 San Diego Christian.