SAN DIEGO—San Diego could not overcome an early eight-run deficit, falling to Pacific 16-7 on Saturday evening at Fowler Park.
 
The Toreros (30-21, 13-13 WCC) fell behind early after the Tigers (22-23, 9-14 WCC) put up five runs in the first inning and added three more in the second, including a three-run home run and a 3-RBI double. USD did its best to chip away at the UOP lead but the Toreros were unable to keep up with a potent Pacific offense.
 
San Diego put up two runs in the third and added three in the fifth to make it 13-5, but the Tigers tacked on three more runs in the eighth. 
 
USD made one last effort to rally in the bottom of the ninth after Connor Doyle hit a leadoff home run—his first of the season. The Toreros loaded the bases with two outs and Adam Kerner hit an RBI single, but the deficit proved too much to overcome and the Tigers secured the victory to even the series 1-1.
 
The Toreros used six pitchers in the contest with Josh Hendrickson (4-2) getting the start. Collectively, USD's pitching staff allowed 19 hits and 10 walks with six strikeouts.
 
USD got on the board in the third after Cody Jefferis scored on Pacific fielding error. Jeff Houghtby followed with an RBI single to cut into the UOP lead. 
 
Ripken Reyes finished the day 2-for-4 including a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth—his second homer of the season—extending an 11-game hitting streak. Shane McGuire and Houghtby followed with back-to-back singles and McGuire scored from third on a wild pitch to make it 13-5, Tigers.
 
McGuire finish 3-for-5 with a run, while Houghtby and Jefferis each went 2-for-4. Houghtby collected an RBI and a walk and Jefferis added two runs for the Toreros. San Diego finished the day with 12 hits and seven runners left on base.
 
The Toreros will look to take the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. in game three with the Tigers. USD will also celebrate Senior Day, recognizing its nine seniors prior to first pitch.