Dominguez Hills Eliminated From CCAA Title Contention

The Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball team was eliminated from California Collegiate Athletic Assn. title contention after splitting a doubleheader against Cal State Los Angeles on Saturday.

The Toros (27-20-1 overall, 14-13 in CCAA play) defeated the Golden Eagles (20-31, 11-15), 11-5, in the opener, but lost, 7-1, in the nightcap. On Friday, left-hander Vince Aguilar pitched a complete game as Dominguez Hills defeated L.A., 3-2.

The Toros remained in fourth place, three games behind first place Cal Poly Pomona with only next weekend’s three-game series at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo remaining. Dominguez Hills must sweep that series if it hopes to receive an at-large berth to the Division II playoffs.

Pitcher Mark Tranberg lasted only 6 2/3 innings in Saturday’s first game, but he earned his 11th victory against two losses. L.A. made seven errors in the first five innings and Dominguez Hills was able to score four runs in the first inning, three in the fifth and two in the sixth and seventh. The Golden Eagles left 12 runners on base.

In the second game, Toro pitcher Armando Plascencia (4-6) was removed after 4 2/3 innings. He allowed only four hits and an earned run, but two Toro errors allowed L.A. to take a 3-1 lead after five innings.

Pitcher Abdom Pinon of L.A. went the distance to set a school record with 19 career complete games and 22 career victories.