HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay dropped Friday's series opener to Cal State San Marcos, 18-8, at Pioneer Field.

The game didn't get away immediately.

After allowing a run in the first, East Bay answered and built momentum over the next two innings. A sacrifice fly evened the score in the second before a three-run third gave the Pioneers a 4-1 edge. Stelling drove in a run, while Angulo and Chance each contributed during the rally.

That stretch ended abruptly in the fourth.

San Marcos sent a wave through the lineup, scoring seven runs to flip the game and move in front. The Cougars added another in the fifth, then delivered a second surge in the seventh with eight more runs to create separation.

East Bay continued to produce at the plate despite the deficit. The Pioneers finished with 12 hits, with Ramos and Cervantes each collecting two. In the ninth, East Bay pushed across four runs, with James driving in one during the late rally.

Juric started on the mound and worked into the fourth inning before the bullpen took over. San Marcos capitalized during the middle innings and maintained control the rest of the way.

Cal State East Bay continues the series Saturday with a doubleheader against Cal State San Marcos at Pioneer Field.