USD left-hander Ricardo Pecina had an appropriate description for the run both he and the Toreros are enjoying.

“It's like a freight train,” he said.

Nonstop.

Pecina struck out a career-high 11 in yesterday's 4-2 victory over visiting Long Beach State, leading the No. 12-ranked Toreros to their school-record 13th straight victory. It is the longest active winning streak in the nation.

Pecina had the worst start of his career a month ago against Cal State Fullerton, failing to finish the first inning. Something clicked shortly thereafter.

“Confidence,” said USD pitching coach Eric Valenzuela. “Nothing changed mechanically. Sometimes for guys it just takes that one time to feel it. He's feeling absolutely dominant. And he hasn't lost it.”

Pecina is 3-0 in his past four starts with 34 strikeouts and just three walks over 28 1/3 innings. “I was trying to be too fine,” said Pecina, a junior from Madison High. “I was too worried about walking guys. I do better when I just go after guys ... I just want to keep getting the ball and getting out there. It feels good.”

Pecina (4-2) allowed four hits and one run in 7 2/3 innings. He did not walk a batter until tiring with two outs in the eighth.

USD closer A.J. Griffin came on to get the final four outs against the Dirtbags (23-15), getting his 20th career save to tie the school record held by Tony Perez.

Jose Valerio doubled just inside the third base line in the third inning, and Sean Nicol singled him home to make it 1-0. USD (32-11) added two runs in the fourth.

SDSU beats USC

San Diego State rallied for five runs over the final two innings for a 6-3 win at USC.

Brandon Decker's bases-loaded walk forced in a run to make it 2-2 in the eighth inning. The Aztecs (24-17) followed with a four-run ninth – highlighted by Pat Colwell's three-run double – that made it 6-2.

USC (19-20) scored one run in the bottom of the ninth and had the bases loaded with two outs, but James McLaughlin was able to get out of the predicament to preserve the win for starter Nate Solow.

More baseball

Cal State San Marcos catcher Dan Ponciano went 3-for-4 with a home run and teammates Tristan Gale and Jackson Chapelone also homered, but Biola beat the host Cougars 5-3 in a nonconference game. Jared Suwyn took the loss for CSUSM (19-15). Biola is 33-12.