Titans Lose; Garrido Worried About Making Playoffs

NORTHRIDGE — In the aftermath of Cal State Fullerton’s 7-3 loss Wednesday to Cal State Northridge, Titan Coach Augie Garrido had more pressing things on his mind than being denied his 1,000th victory.

Garrido was upset by what he perceives as an ill-timed tailspin that has his team lumped with too many others who hope to impress the NCAA committee that will award at-large berths to the NCAA tournament.

Although the Titans (31-15) are tied at 14-4 with Cal State Long Beach for the Big West Conference lead, Garrido isn’t counting on winning the title and gaining the conference’s automatic berth.

Counting Long Beach’s sweep of the Titans 2 1/2 weeks ago, Fullerton is 5-6 in its last 11 games with its final conference series Friday through Sunday against third-place San Jose State (10-8).

“Now our record stands with everyone else seeking at-large bids,” Garrido said. “The last 2 1/2 weeks we’ve proceeded to put ourselves in a huge pot. We’ve taken an advantage and watched it deteriorate. That’s the significance for me, not a 1,000th win.”

Fullerton took a 2-1 lead in the second inning on two walks and singles by Craig Skyberg and Jeremy Carr. Then right fielder Greg Shepard made a diving catch and doubled Carr off first, ending the inning.

In the fifth, Northridge (30-15) scored six runs on four hits and three errors.