TURLOCK — In an low-scoring but eventful game, the No. 3 ranked UC San Diego Tritons defeated Stanislaus State, 5-1, to open the four-game series a day late on Saturday night.

The Tritons continues their winning ways in the CCAA — and against the Warriors — and improved to 21-5 overall and 16-5 in conference play. UCSD has now won eight straight in the series against Stanislaus State.

Stanislaus State, winners of 7 of last 8 entering this key series, dropped its records to 20-13, 16-11 but remains in fourth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

The series opener was delay by 24 hours due to forecasted storm on Friday that never really materialized. Teams will now play a Sunday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. before concluding with the finale on Monday at Noon.
 
UC San Diego scored four runs early in the first three innings and cruised to the win behind its solid pitching staff. The Tritons are No. 2 in NCAA Division II with a low team ERA, which now dips to 2.55.
 
Alexis Paz proved the only run-scoring offense for Stan State with a solo homer in the second inning. He now ties with Jack Large and Grant Bunker all with four homers each.
 
Chase Wheatcroft suffered the loss and dropped to 2-2 on the year. He gave up four runs — two of them earned — on six hits in five innings. He was not his normal self with the control as he walked five to go with the six strikeouts. After Nathan Gutierrez pitched 1 2/3 innings, Tommy Stropky finished the game strong on the mound. Stropky only allowed a hit in 2 1/3 innings and fanned two.
 
Ted Stuka improved to 5-1 and Luke Mattson pitched the final four innings to earn a save.
 
Vinny Margiotta had two of the team's five hits.