CARSON (April 21, 2016) -- Cal State San Bernardino is chasing a CCAA Tournament berth and the team in its immediate grasp is this weekend's opponent, Cal State Dominguez Hills.

And despite a gutty effort from junior LHP Don Sullivan, the Coyotes were turned back 2-1 in the series opener Thursday afternoon at Toro Field.

Sullivan threw six straight shut-out innings, but the Toros broke through with a two-run seventh and that was enough for the victory.

The Compton native struck out two and scattered nine hits in 7 2/3 innings.

Back-to-back triples to right field by Parker Hokuf and Lester Salcedo put CSUDH up 1-0 and pinch-hitter Adrian Padilla followed with a sacrifice fly for the 2-0 lead.

Andrew Lopez cut the lead to 2-1 in the eighth on his one-out single to right that scored Grant Buchanan, who led off the inning with a single through the right side.

CSUDH threatened in the third when Brady Conlan singled to center and Adrian Guzman tried to score from second, but was cut down by centerfielder Damion Edmonds' throw at the plate.

Sullivan should be lauded for effort as just one reliever, Cory Peterson, was utilized in the game and kept the majority of coach David Martinez's bullpen fresh for the four-game series.

Jordan Simon went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles.

The Coyotes (17-21, 12-14 CCAA) and Toros (21-18, 14-13) play at 3 p.m. Friday at Carson. The series moves to Fiscalini Field at 11 a.m. Saturday with a nine-inning, seven-inning doubleheader.