[Box score]

The bats came alive for Cal State San Bernardino late, with Danny Garcia providing the game-winning hit, as the Yotes defeated Azusa Pacific 10-9 in the first game of a best-of-3 series at the NCAA West 2 Regional. (May 19)
 
CSUSB had only two runs on the board through six innings and trailed 4-2. They scored eight runs in the last three innings to earn the victory.
 
A five-run seventh inning gave the Yotes their first lead of the game at 7-4. Takuto Kataoka plated the first run on an RBI groundout before Riley Parker brought in two more with a two-out double down the line. CSUSB was gifted its last two runs as the two batters after Parker received walks before the shortstop made an error on a batted ball by Deshawn Johnson, allowing two more runs to score.
 
After the teams traded runs in the eighth, Azusa Pacific rallied for four runs in the ninth, with Tito Robles providing the go-ahead two-run single with two out.
 
As they have shown all postseason, the Yotes proved they will battle until their final strike. Leadoff man Jason Shedlock singled to start the inning and moved to second two batters later when Daryl Ruiz reached on an error. Giovanni Del Negro was hit on a 2-1 pitch to load the bases for third baseman Danny Garcia. The junior worked it to a 2-2 count before singling up the middle to score the tying and game-winning runs.
 
It was Garcia's third hit of the game as he went 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. Derek Bogh reached base three times (hit, two walks) and scored two runs. Azusa Pacific's Cade Marshman went 2-for-3 with two home runs, three RBI, and three runs scored, hitting out of the No. 9 hole.
 
Chris Hernandez (1-0) picked up a win in relief after he came in and got the final out of the ninth. CSUSB start Dylan O'Connor went six innings allowing six hits and four runs. He walked one and struck out six.
 
The teams will complete their best-of-3 series on Saturday, May 20. The first game is scheduled for 11 a.m.; if Azusa Pacific wins, the 'If Necessary Game' will be played approximately 30 minutes later.