ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University baseball team needed just four hits to beat Cal State San Marcos 4-3 at Hart Park on Friday afternoon, extending its home winning streak to 16.

Chapman (22-5) was in a scoreless tie through 2 ½ innings before a hit and two walks loaded the bases for senior Tyler Hadzinsky. The Panthers second baseman drove the ball over the right fielder for a bases-clearing double giving them an early 3-0 lead. Hadzinsky was 1-for-3 on the afternoon with all four of Chapman's RBI.

Cal State San Marcos (20-15) could not capitalize on its 10 hits as it stranded 14 runners on base. The Cougars came away from three bases loaded situations empty handed including the ninth inning. It was a combined effort from five different Chapman pitchers as they limited San Marcos to three runs. Sophomore pitcher Travis McGee picked up his fourth win of the season allowing one unearned run and two hits in three innings of work.

In the fifth inning after another hit and two walks, Hadzinsky faced a similar bases-loaded opportunity. This time, Hadzinsky hit a sacrifice fly to right field that scored freshman shortstop Adam Coggan to extend the Panthers lead to 4-1.

San Marcos scored a run in three-consecutive innings to shrink the Panthers lead to 4-3 in the seventh inning off of a sacrifice fly from junior Mike Mecucci. Sophomore Kyle Tachibana came in with the bases loaded and one out and stopped the Cougars rally. The sophomore closer faced two bases loaded situations without forfeiting a run. Tachibana went 2 2/3 innings to collect his fourth save of the season.

The Panthers look to keep the winning streak rolling as they travel to No. 9 Linfield for a four-game series April 15-17.

by Robert Flicker
Sports Information Intern

Boxscore: http://chapman.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2010-11/boxscores/20110408_7wl5.xml