ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Thanks to a two-out sixth inning rally and strong pitching performances, Sonoma State salvaged the final game of their four-game set with #12 UC San Diego, taking the Sunday matinee by a final of 4-2.
 
For the fourth-straight game, Sonoma plated the game's first run--today's coming in the game's first inning. Bryce Nagata and Mitch West both worked a walk from Tritons' starter Jonah Dipoto. A fly out to center advanced Nagata to third before he came in to score on a ground out by the designated hitter, Daniel Hawkins.
 
Dipoto and Seawolf starter Michael Byerline each dominated on the mound over the next few innings, as only one hit was allowed through the first three frames. However, San Diego broke through in the fourth with a two-RBI double.
 
With runners at the corners and two outs, Keenan Brigman stole second, moving into scoring position just before Brandon Stewart shot a ball to left center, plating both runners and taking the Tritons' first lead of the game 2-1.
 
Following the frame, things remained hitless until the Seawolves reached the bottom of the sixth. A one-out single to left by Joshua Montelongo and a two-out walk by Matthew Richards set the table for Joshua Lenney who singled through the right side, plating the lead runner and sending Montelongo on to third. The RBI single chased Dipoto but the UCSD bullpen proved unable to prevent more runs from scoring.
 
Nicco Toni continued the two-out rally with a single up the middle, scoring Richards, before a walk by Nathan Mann loaded the bases for Rayson Romero to drive home a run with a hit-by-pitch.
 
San Diego made an attempt to chip away at Sonoma State's 4-2 lead in the top of the seventh, but third baseman Lenney helped keep the two-run margin in tact with a heads up fielder's choice, erasing a runner from third who tried to come home on a grounder. The bases loaded in the inning with two outs but reliever Jackson Berumen induced a clutch fly ball to left to keep the Tritons scoreless in the frame.
 
Berumen would allow a walk in both the eighth and ninth innings, but nothing more as the Seawolves locked down the win to complete the weekend series.
 
With the win, Sonoma State now moves to 9-9 on the year, improving to 5-7 in conference play. They return to action next weekend, traveling south to take on Cal State San Marcos in a four-game series beginning March 16. Friday's first pitch by the opposing Cougars is slated for 3pm.