Dirtbags blow by Hurricanes

An unearned run in the seventh inning helped Long Beach State (26-19) snap a six-game losing streak Sunday with a 6-4 win at defending champion Miami (30-15-1).

With runners on second and third and a 4-4 score, LBSU's Chris Wright flied to center field for what would have normally been an out. But Miami center fielder Mike Rodriguez misplayed the ball, allowing second baseman A.J. LaBarbera to score from third.

LaBarbera would also score an insurance run in the ninth. After an infield single and two errors put him on third base, LaBarbera scored when LBSU right fielder Chuck Lopez hit into a double play.
 

LBSU starter Jason Berni threw six innings to improve his record to 4-2. Hurricanes starter Enrique Bengochea fell to 4-3. Dirtbags closer Josh Alliston tossed the final two innings to earn his eighth save.

The six-game skid was the Dirtbags longest since 1988, the year before Head Coach Dave Snow took the helm. The longest previous losing streak under Snow was five games in 1997.

The Dirtbags will get to unpack its luggage for a while, hosting the University of San Diego (31-22-1) at Blair Field Wednesday at 7 p.m. They then take on Big West rival Pacific (22-23, 5-16 Big West) this weekend for a three-game set. The Dirtbags swept the Tigers in Stockton on March 17-19.

Separately, Snow announced the signing of six new players to letters of intent.
 

• Nathaniel Beucler, RHP, Huntington Beach, Golden West Junior College

 
• Glenn Costa, catcher, Norwalk, Rio Hondo College

 
• Christopher DeMaria, RHP, Torrance, El Camino College

 
• Steven Hofius, first base, Lakewood, Lakewood High School

 
• Jason Kubel, outfielder, Palmdale, Highland High School

 
• Robert Stiehl III, RHP, Torrance, El Camino College