SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Cal State San Bernardino scored nine runs over the third and fourth innings to hand No. 29 UC San Diego its second straight loss, a 14-4 defeat in league baseball action Friday at Fiscalini Field.

UCSD dropped to 24-18 on the year and is holding on to first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) at 22-12. CSUSB, which defeated the Tritons 3-2 in Thursday's series opener, upped its season mark to 22-13. The Coyotes are in second place in the league at 19-11, one game behind the Tritons.

San Bernardino plated four runs in the third inning and tacked on five more in the fourth to essentially seal the victory. UCSD scored single runs in the fifth and seventh innings and a pair in the top of the ninth.

"We were outplayed today," said UCSD head coach Eric Newman. "I give them credit for being ready to play. They took advantage of a couple of our mistakes in the third inning."

Catcher Paul Eshleman had a day for CSUSB, going 4-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored and six RBI. He launched a one-out grand slam home run to left-center, accounting for four of the five Coyote runs in the fourth inning. Eshleman played the hero in game one as well, driving in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Mike Mudron continued his strong season on the mound for the Coyotes. The left-handed starter improved to 6-0, surrendering two runs on six hits over seven full innings of work. He struck out nine and walked three.

Jeff Rauh (3-4) suffered the loss as he lasted 3.1 innings, giving up nine runs and nine hits while striking out three and walking four.

As he did Thursday, outfielder Danny Susdorf led UCSD at the plate. The junior went 3-for-3 with a run scored and a RBI. He doubled and stole a base. Susdorf is now 6-for-7 in the series.

Designated hitter Nick La Face was 2-for-3 with a RBI, two walks and a pair of stolen bases for the Tritons. Shortstop Garrett Tuck and third baseman Sam Michaels each had two hits. Tuck and second baseman Spencer Frazier both picked up an RBI.

Edwin Mendoza, who leads the CCAA in home runs, hit his ninth for CSUSB, a two-run shot in the seventh inning.

UCSD left 10 runners on base, including two in each of the first, seventh, eighth and ninth innings.

It marked the first time since Mar. 3 that the Tritons had lost two consecutive games.

"We need to come out tomorrow with renewed focus and energy," said Newman.

The four-game series wraps up Saturday back in La Jolla with a doubleheader. The first game is slated for a noon start. UCSD students are admitted free to all regular season home games.

- UCSDtritons.com -