RIVERSIDE, Calif. – A 12-out save from California Baptist University's Dylan Stowell secured the Lancers' first shutout of the season and a series-opening 4-0 win over Colorado Christian on Thursday.

Stowell made his first appearance at Totman Stadium in more than a year, after missing all of 2017 recovering from an injury, and was dominant. The senior right-handed pitcher came out of the bullpen and threw the final four innings, allowing just three hits, no walks and striking out nine.

It backed up five scoreless innings from CBU starter Andrew Bernstein, who allowed seven base runners (three hits, four walks), but not a run, and struck out five. The Lancers have now won three-straight and improve to 3-1, while Colorado Christian drops to 2-3.

Offensively, the Lancers were aided by 2-for-3 nights at the plate from John Glenn and Nick Plaia. Seven CBU players logged hits in the win, though, including a solo homer from Tommy Bell that bounced off the right-field foul pole in the bottom of the third inning.

A two-out rally got the Lancers on the board in the second inning, though. The threat started when Glenn struck out to lead off the inning but took first on a passed ball. Consecutive fly outs nearly got CCU out of danger, but Plaia singled into center and a walk to Rory Smith loaded the bases for Kyle Oyama, who drew the bases-loaded walk for the RBI.

Bell's solo homer to start the third gave CBU's lineup some more momentum, as Ryan Mota and Glenn singled right after to put two more runners aboard. A throwing error moved Mota in scoring position and he scored on a sacrifice fly from Andrew Bash, which made it 3-0.

Plaia sparked the Lancers' offense for one more run in the sixth with a leadoff single. Plaia went on to steal second, take third on a pinch-hit single into right from Billy Rockefeller and then score on a throwing error.

Colorado Christian had its opportunities on offense, but came up empty each time. The Cougars put two runners on in the second inning, but Bernstein got an easy grounder to second to strand both.

CCU was retired in order in the third but then loaded the bases with two outs after consecutive strikeouts to start the inning. Bernstein locked in and got another soft roller to second to leave the bases loaded.

Stowell struck out the first three batters he faced in the sixth inning and avoided any real trouble until the ninth after a one-out double and single from the Cougars. Stowell finished like he started and struck out the final two batters to preserve the shutout. 

CBU and the Cougars continue their series at Totman Friday at 6 p.m. and then wrap up the three-game set Saturday at noon.