TUCSON, Ariz.. - Eric Ma delivered a strong performance on the mound, striking out nine hitters in six-plus innings but it wasn't enough as the Whitman College baseball team, after winning its opener earlier in the day, fell to Cal Lutheran 4-1 to close Day 1 of the Cactus Classic on Friday.

Ma (0-1) took a 1-1 game into the seventh inning before running into trouble. Milo Mincin came in in relief, striking out two but giving up a pair of runs, one charged to Ma. Mincin (0-1) would be the pitcher of record for the Blues.

Lucas Thrun had one hit and scored Whitman's lone run which came in the first inning off a run-scoring double from Tyler Lewis.

Cal Lu starter Chris Kovac scattered four hits over five innings while allowing the one run and striking out seven Whitman hitters. Three Kingsman tossed scoreless ball the rest of the way.

Kyle Reisman led the Blues with a pair of hits with David Johnson and Andrew Nevoso each adding a hit of their own

The Blues were fortunate to hold off a Cal Lu explosion but ultimately unable to overcome a 13-hit performance by the Kingsmen who left 11 men on base. Ryne Yamashiro and Nico Pico both notched a pair of hits and scored a run.

After Ma gave up a base hit to start the seventh, Mincin came on, allowing one run, including Ma's as Cal Lu broke the tie and took a 3-1 lead by the end of the inning. For good measure, Daniel Stauffer went yard for a pinch-hit homerun one inning later to complete the scoring.

The Blues are back at it Saturday with games against Redlands (10:00 a.m. MT) and Chapman (2:00 p.m. MT) to close the Classic.