SANTA ROSA, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific baseball team picked up a 12-6 victory against Sonoma State on Monday afternoon, claiming the series two games to one. 
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 
Final: Fresno Pacific 12, Sonoma State 6
Records: FPU (2-3), SSU (1-2)
Location: Sypher Field | Santa Rosa, Calif.
Series: FPU leads 8-5
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Adam Aleman singled to center to open the scoring in the first, but the Seawolves answered with a Zach Guardino double to tie the game. 
• Three SSU runs crossed the plate in the home second to chase FPU starter Alex Garcia from the game early, but the Sunbird offense came alive in the middle innings. 
• Jared Aguilar's RBI groundout in the fourth brought FPU back within two, and a big fifth inning saw the 'Birds score four runs on three hits to take their first lead of the day. 
• Adam Aleman singled to center to open the scoring in the first, but the Seawolves answered with a Zach Guardino double to tie the game. 
• The two teams each plated a run in the sixth, and the Blue and Orange went right back to work in the top of the eighth. 
• Matt McGrady's two-out single paved the way for Aguilar to double in two runs, and Nick Dodd came away with a bases-clearing double of his own in the ninth. 
• The Seawolves mustered a run in the home half on a wild pitch but would get no closer, helping the Sunbirds leave Santa Rose with their first series win of the year. 
  
 STATS FROM THE DAY
• After a five-hit performance in Sunday's series opener, shortstop Tristen Alvarez went 3-for-5 at the dish and came in to score each time he reached base. 
• Dodd, Aguilar and Aleman combined for nine RBI, marking FPU's first game of the season with multiple players driving in at least three runs. 
• Garcia's final line ended at 1.1 innings and four earned runs before turning things over to Justin Fuson out of the pen.
• Fuson tossed the next 6.2 chapter for the 'Birds, striking out four and scattering four hits en route to his first collegiate win. 
• Brian Hefner left his spot at first base to take over on the mound for the final inning, recording all three outs by way of strikeout. 
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Fuson has tossed 11 innings out of the Sunbird bullpen through the first five games, allowing just three earned runs along the way.   
• Garcia's outing was the shortest of his FPU career. The righty pitched into the sixth or deeper in 10 of his 12 starts a season ago. 
 
SOCIAL:
• Twitter - @fpusunbirds
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds 
• Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
ON DECK:
• The Sunbirds will have a quick turnaround, as they host Western Oregon in the opener of a four-game series on Thursday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at FPU Diamond.