PROVO, Utah – No. 19 San Diego took a two-game lead over BYU baseball to solidify its first place league standing with a 14-7 victory Thursday at Larry H. Miller Field.

The Toreros (34-11, 11-5) stayed atop the West Coast Conference thanks to a pinch-hit, two-run single from Jon Hotta in the seventh inning to regain the lead, 8-7. 

Starting pitcher Desmond Poulson held on to the BYU (18-19, 7-6) lead, after a pair of doubles between the third and fourth, until he was retired in the seventh.

“This was a good test for us against a good San Diego team,” BYU coach Vance Law said. “San Diego is a good hitting team and we can’t afford to fall behind.”

The Toreros took a 3-0 lead through the first two innings. All-American Bryant ripped a lead off home run in the third to bring for a 4-2 lead before Poulson settled into his role on the mound.

Momentum changed in the third when BYU found itself on top. Stephen Wells led off with a double off the centerfield wall and later scored because of two BYU groundouts. Taking advantage of back-to-back walks, Alex Wolfe then doubled to right-center field on full count for two RBIs and a 5-4 Cougar lead.

BYU padded its lead to 7-4 in the fourth with a centerfield line drive by Austin Hall on a full count that plated two. Hall’s single chased San Diego’s starting pitcher Dylan Covey off the mound with eventual winning pitcher Max MacNabb taking his place. 

James Lengal, who took the loss, replaced Poulson on the mound in the seventh before Mason Marshall quickly relieved him. Bryan Haar drilled a double down the left field line to score another run and extend the Torero lead to 9-7

“We are in a position where our middle relievers accept a difficult role,” Law said. “I can’t use the whole bullpen on the first day.”

The Cougars take on the Toreros Friday at 6 p.m. MDT in the second of a three-game series.

All of the BYU-USD games will be televised live by BYUtv and by 960 AM and BYU Radio on the Internet.

One of the biggest weeks for BYU baseball finds the Cougars back in home territory as it plays Utah Valley University and No. 19 San Diego.

BYU [18-17, 7-5]  hosts league-leading San Diego (33-11, 10-5) in a three-game series starting Thursday, but first it plays Tuesday at UVU (30-11) at 6 p.m., in Orem.

UVU has a 23-game winning streak, preceded by the only game it lost in the Beehive State this season against Sacramento State on March 22.

“Utah Valley is playing with a great deal of confidence and has some nice wins,” BYU coach Vance Law said.  “That game prepares us for a huge series with San Diego.”

The Cougars are a game-and-a-half behind first-place San Diego.  Game times are Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a noon tilt on Saturday.

“We can make up some ground if we play well,” Law said.  “They have some outstanding performers and have a great tradition.”

USD has a pre-season All-American third baseman in Kris Bryant, who was recently named to Team USA, and the nation’s leader in saves, Michael Wagner with 19.

USD is the only West Coast Conference opponent that BYU coach Vance Law has not competed against.  The Cougars are hopeful any of their seven pitchers who each have one league victory thus far can secure a second WCC win.

All of the BYU-USD games will be televised live by BYUtv and by 960 AM and BYU Radio on the Internet.

Fans are invited to help Pitch-in for Baseball. Bring a used piece of baseball equipment (ball, bat, glove, catcher's gear, helmet, etc.) to any game during the San Diego weekend May 3-5 and receive free admission. Equipment barrels will be ready at the entrance. Drop in your gear and receive a free admission ticket. Pitch-in for Baseball is a foundation that facilitates baseball gear donation to needy communities around the world.