COSTA MESA, Calif. – A four-run first inning by Vanguard proved to be the difference maker as the Cal State San Marcos baseball team dropped a 5-1 decision to the Lions on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The Cougars fall to 22-12 overall while the Lions improve to 30-12.
 
Freshman Tyler Place went 2-for-3 with a double at the plate. Senior Dylan Costello and junior Stefan Miladinovich recorded the other two Cougar hits.
 
After retiring the first two batters, senior starting pitcher Kyle Montiel got himself in a major jam. Vanguard's Jose Rojas tripled to right center to drive in Paul Keating who reached base on a walk. After relinquishing another walk, Montiel gave up a three-run homer to Brett Collins. Junior Jake Villalobos entered in relief and collected the final out, halting the damage at 4-0.
 
CSUSM's lone run came in the top of the third when Place doubled to center and scored on back-to-back groundouts.
 
The Lions added another run in their half of the frame, a solo home run by Brock Eissman.
 
The Cougar bullpen didn't allow a hit though 5.2 innings of work.
 
CSUSM begins a four-game split series against Antelope Valley on Friday, April 10 in Lancaster, Calif. First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for noon.