LA JOLLA, Calif. - The UC San Diego offense banged out 12 hits and Jeff Rauh turned in a quality start as the Tritons routed California Collegiate Athletic Association opponent Cal State L.A., 12-3, Friday night at Triton Ballpark. The victory clinched a spot for UCSD in the upcoming league tournament.

UCSD, which has now won four straight, improved to 28-18 overall and 26-12 in the CCAA, while CSULA dropped to 22-18 and 18-16. 

The Tritons scored runs in all but the second and seventh innings. They jumped on it early, plating three in the first inning. After scoring a single run in the third, they struck for two in each of the fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth frames.

UCSD's top-five hitters in the lineup accounted for nine hits and 10 runs. Left fielder Justin Rahn collected a career-high four hits, scored a run and drove in two more. Center fielder Danny Susdorf crossed the plate four times, equaling his career-best, while designated hitter Nick La Face and first baseman Richard Seigel each scored twice. La Face finished with three RBI, two of those coming on a two-out home run well over the fence in left field in the eighth inning. Third baseman Sam Michaels had two hits and two RBI and shortstop Garrett Tuck chipped in with a run and a pair of RBI.

Starting pitcher Jeff Rauh (4-4) earned the win as he went six full innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three and walking one. Sean Rowan, Dan Kolodin and Justin Burns combined to finish out the game, surrendering a run and two hits over the final three innings.

For Cal State L.A., first baseman James Wharton was 3-for-4 with a double and drove in all three of his team's runs. Left fielder Jeremy Weber had two hits, including a double, and scored a run.

CSULA starter David Arredondo (3-5) took the loss, allowing 10 runs (eight earned) and nine hits over six innings. He struck out one and walked two while hitting three batters and balking twice. Jonathan Skura gave up two runs in the eighth.

The Golden Eagles scored two runs in the fifth off a Wharton single and another in the eighth when Wharton doubled down the left field line.

Susdorf hit his ninth triple of the year to lead off the sixth inning, tying the school's single season record (Matt Lawson, 2005). The junior became UCSD's career leader in three-baggers on Apr. 21.

The victory ensured that UC San Diego will have a spot in the four-team CCAA Tournament, which will be held May 10-12 in La Jolla.

The four-game series wraps up Saturday with a doubleheader at Reeder Field in Los Angeles. Game one is slated for a 1 p.m. first pitch. The twinbill will conclude UCSD's CCAA season and two wins would secure the team's fourth consecutive regular season title.

- UCSDtritons.com -