Box Score AZUSA – CSUSB opened the 2014 baseball season on the short end, losing 4-1 and 6-4 at Azusa Pacific on Saturday.

The Coyotes (0-2 overall) return to play Thursday at Cal Baptist.

Game 1: Azusa Pacific 4, Coyotes 1
Kevin Meriwether drove in the Coyotes' only run in the third inning.

Down 1-0, Warren Fishback drew a one-out walk, and advanced on an Aaron Beckley single through the left side. One out later, Meriwether singled through the left side and Fishback came around to score.

But APU answered back with a fielder's choice RBI by James Daris.

Andy Bissell padded the Cougars lead to 3-1 in the sixth on a solo home run.

Nolan Almodovar, Trevor McMaster and Beckley all had singles to account for CSUSB's four hits.

Senior LHP Kerry Kelley took the loss. He threw five innings, scattered seven hits and struck out .

Game 2: Azusa Pacific 6, Coyotes 4
Senior Remington Miller led the Coyotes attack with a 3-for-4 effort and Beckley had two RBI.

APU struck with a three-run, four-hit first inning  off Coyotes RHP Taylor Valentine.

CSUSB got one back in the second – on a sacrifice fly from Beckley – and cut the deficit to 3-2 on Beckley's RBI single to center.
The Cougars extended their lead with a two-run fifth and led 5-2.

CSUSB answered with two runs in the sixth – on Miller's single to right that scored Trevor McMaster, and Steven Chagolla later drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk.

Valentine took the loss in 3 2/3 innings. Jake Meloche threw 4 1/3 innings of relief and allowed only one run – earned – and gave up four hits with one strikeout.