POMONA, Calif. – Despite some early offensive production, Cal Poly Pomona couldn't hold off the bats of No. 10 Colorado Mesa, falling 6-4 in the series finale on Saturday afternoon. With the loss, the Broncos fall to 3-3 on the season, all six games being against nationally-ranked opponents.
The Broncos jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first, as Julian Angulo launched a two-run homer to put CPP ahead 2-0, his second of the season. The sophomore out of Downey ranks Top 10 in the CCAA in six categories, including leading the conference with 13 hits.
Cal Poly Pomona added another run in the second inning when a Johnny Pappas groundout pushed across the Broncos' third run of the game, retaking a 3-2 lead. However, Colorado Mesa responded quickly with two of their own in the fourth to take a 4-3 lead. The Mavericks' bats stayed hot, tallying 15 hits on the day, including three home runs.
Anthony Gibbons blasted a solo shot to left field in the sixth inning, bringing the score back within one for his first long ball of the season. CMU added an insurance run in the eighth, and despite getting the tying run to the plate in the ninth, CPP couldn't string together enough offense to complete the comeback.
The Broncos registered seven hits on the day, including the two home runs, while Gibbons and Dominic Porter each had two a piece.
On the mound, starter Ruben Del Castillo went four innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits while striking out three. Evan Adolphus came in relief, also throwing four innings, and allowing just one more run to score on six hits. Junior Aaron Rosales made his CPP debut in the ninth, throwing a clean frame with two strikeouts on 11 pitches.
Up Next
The previously scheduled split home-road series with The Master's University has changed. Now, the series will be played entirely on the road at Lou Herwaldt Stadium in Santa Clarita. The first game is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday, February 14th, but could be subject to change in the coming days.
The Broncos will return home for their CCAA Opener against Cal State Monterey Bay on February 21st.
Bronco Bits
- The Broncos are now 7-3 all-time against Colorado Mesa.
- Randy Betten is now 419-269 (.609) as head coach of the Broncos.
- The last time the Broncos were 3-3 to open the season was 2018.
- CPP leads the CCAA with 62 hits on the season.
- Julian Angulo currently leads the CCAA with 13 hits, being one of only three players in the conference in double digits.
Latest Men's Baseball
- Esquival Spins Complete Game Shutout in Doubleheader SplitDylan Esquival threw a complete game shutout in game two of the doubleheader on Saturday, helping the Broncos improve to 5-7 on the season and 2-1 in CCAA play. By winning at least one of the two games on Saturday, the team has secured at least a series split against CCAA preseason favorites Cal State Monterey Bay.
- Cal Poly Pomona Celebrates DII DayThe Cal Poly Pomona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to celebrate the third annual DII Day on February 22, 2025.
- Sixth Inning Rally Leads Broncos to Win Over No. 15 Otters in CCAA OpenerA huge sixth-inning rally propelled Cal Poly Pomona to a thrilling 9-7 comeback victory over No. 15 Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday evening at Scolinos Field. The Broncos, trailing 7-3 in the sixth, exploded for five runs to take the lead and held off the Otters late to secure the win. With the victory, CPP improves to 4-6 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.
- Broncos Celebrate 2,000th Win Under Brian SwansonThough he may not be the one holding a clipboard or writing the starting lineup, Cal Poly Pomona Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Brian Swanson, has had a massive impact on the success of Bronco Athletics since taking the helm on May 31, 2005. Thursday night marked yet another milestone in Swanson's decorated 20 years as CPP Athletics Director, as the Broncos celebrated their 2,000th win under his leadership.
- Late Mustang Heroics Stun Broncos, TwiceCal Poly Pomona baseball lost in heartbreaking fashion twice during Saturday's doubleheader, seeing The Master's hit a walk-off home run in both games of the doubleheader. With the losses, the Broncos fall to 3-6 to open the season.
- Baseball Drops Series Opener at The Master’sCal Poly Pomona saw an early lead slip away as The Master's stormed back with a seventh-inning surge, resulting in a 9-6 loss on Friday afternoon at Lou Herwaldt Stadium. The Broncos fall to 3-4 to open the season and are now 0-1 on the road.
