COLLEGE BASEBALL

CSUN 9, Azusa Pacific 5--Northridge opened a 6-1 lead after six innings behind the pitching of freshman Robert Wheatcroft, who limited the Cougars to one run on five hits to earn his first collegiate victory, at Matador Diamond. The victory improved Northridge’s record to 9-9. Azusa Pacific is 3-14-1.

Wheatcroft tired in the seventh, allowing three home runs--solo shots by John Boyte and John Nero and a two-run blast by Tim Pawley--as the lead dwindled to 6-5.

Cheeky Palomarez came on to retire seven of the last nine batters he faced for his fourth save this season.

Dan Jones hit a solo home run in the seventh and John Balfanz added his second homer of the day--and third in the last two games--as Northridge pulled away for the win.

In all, CSUN had 12 hits. Balfanz had three hits and four runs batted in, and Jones and catcher Scott McIntyre each had two hits to lead the offense.

Azusa Pacific 001 000 400 -- 5 11 1

CS Northridge 010 005 12x -- 9 12 1

AZUSA PACIFIC--Gutman, Furchner (6), T. Mitchell (6), K. Mitchell (6), Owens (7) and Shirley.

CS NORTHRIDGE--Wheatcroft, Palomarez (7) and McIntyre.

WP--Wheatcroft (1-0); LP--Gutman.