THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — On George "Sparky" Anderson Field at Ullman Stadium, California Lutheran University was back at it and opened the 2022 season with a statement win as they took down Puget Sound 12-1 on Friday afternoon.

Sporting their new pinstripe uniforms, the Kingsmen opened the season in winning fashion. Behind a six-inning outing from Alexander Rivas, the offense added two five-run innings, in the third and again in the eighth, as the Cal Lutheran bats were loud and active.  

Rivas dominated on the mound, and after an error allowed the Loggers to score in the first, the right-hander held the opposing team scoreless over the next five innings. He faced 24 batters, getting 12 groundouts and five flyouts, allowing just five hits and the unearned run. 

Zach Bullard and Zach Lafata got the bats going in the third. The duo both smashed a double in the inning, Bullard clearing the bases for 3 BRI and Lafata's scored one. Kyle Reuser added one more RBI in the inning. 

The Purple and Gold got tack-on runs as the Kingsmen scored two runs in the sixth and then put the Loggers away with the five-run eighth. Austin Carrillo and Max Heverly both recorded an RBI in the sixth. 

The Kingsmen got three runs off wild pitches in the eighth and Nolan Brooks came up clutch adding two more with a bases-loaded single. 

Zach Creighton, Clay Rickerman and Matt Campo came on in relief. The trio held the Loggers scoreless. Crieghton struck out two in the seventh, Rickerman recorded a strikeout in the eighth and Matt Campo struck out the side in the ninth. 

Cal Lutheran starts the year with a four-game home stand. The Kingsmen welcome Whitworth to Ullman Stadium for three games, a doubleheader on Saturday and one game on Sunday. 

Box Score:  CLU 12, PSU 1
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director