CS Northridge Reaches Title Game

MONTGOMERY, Ala. â€”  Cal State Northridge needed only one inning Thursday to finish off Lewis University in the NCAA Division II baseball World Series.

The Matadors scored eight times in the eighth inning and right-hander Vale Lopez made it stand up as Northridge advanced into the national championship game, 8-6.

Northridge’s opponent will be the winner of today’s game between the University of Tampa and Jacksonville (Ala.) State.

Through seven innings, Lewis (49-14) was well on its way to defeating Northridge.

The Matadors (32-21), who scored 36 runs on 49 hits in their first two series games, had only three singles--all by Eric Johnson--going into the eighth.

Scott Sharts, Division II home run leader, hit a three-run homer over the scoreboard in left field to put Northridge ahead.

Sharts’ 28th home run of the season came one pitch after a foul ball down the right field line that should have been caught.

“It always seems to happen like that,� Northridge Coach Bill Kernan said. “You just don’t give a hitter like Sharts a second chance.�

Northridge’s other runs came on a two-run triple by Andy Hodgins, an error, a wild pitch and a passed ball.

Lopez allowed 10 hits in his second win over Lewis in five days. He has won his last nine decisions.