THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran baseball opened the 2026 season at George "Sparky" Anderson Field on Thursday afternoon, dropping a 12-4 decision to No. 22 McMurry in the series opener.

The Kingsmen kept things tight early, matching McMurry scoreless through the first two innings behind a strong start from Max McGrady, who struck out five and allowed just one earned run across four innings. Cal Lutheran threatened in the second inning when Lucas Danielewicz doubled and Jacob Blickenderfer singled, but the rally stalled.

McMurry broke through in the third with an unearned run, then added another in the fourth before Cal Lutheran responded in the bottom half of the inning. After Blickenderfer reached and advanced into scoring position, Troy Anderson lined a single to center to put the Kingsmen on the board and cut the deficit to 2-1.

The pivotal moment came in the fifth inning, when McMurry used a seven-run frame to create separation, capitalizing on four extra-base hits. Despite the setback, the Kingsmen answered with their best offensive stretch of the day in the bottom of the inning. Danielewicz delivered a two-run single, scoring Kai Caranto and Eric Gonzalez, and Blickenderfer followed with an RBI double to bring Cal Lutheran within 9-4.

Danielewicz and Blickenderfer led the Kingsmen at the plate, combining for six hits and three RBIs, while Cal Lutheran finished with 13 hits on the afternoon. The bullpen settled in late, as Colten Hanson closed out the final 2.2 innings without allowing a run, striking out six to keep the game from getting any further out of hand.

McMurry added three insurance runs over the final innings to secure the win, but Cal Lutheran will have a quick opportunity to respond tomorrow.

The Kingsmen continue their opening series against the War Hawks with a doubleheader on Saturday, February 7, beginning at 11 a.m.