Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Hawaii Hilo
Diamond Men Cruise To Third Consecutive Win
4/21/2000 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 20, 2000
HILO, Hawaii - No. 17 Fresno State pounded out a season-high 21 hits and picked up a convincing 15-3 victory against Hawai'i-Hilo on Thursday night at Wong Stadium. The Bulldogs improved to 31-11 overall and 13-6 in the WAC with the win, while the Vulcans lost their fifth consecutive game and dropped to 14-27 overall and 5-17 in conference play.
Fresno State scored early and often against Vulcan starter Luke Holscher. The Bulldogs scored three runs in the first inning, two in the second, a run in the fourth and a pair in the sixth to knock Holscher out of the game. The 'Dogs then exploded for seven runs against Hilo's bullpen in the eighth to put the finishing touches on the 12-run victory.
Fresno State registered nine extra-base hits in the rout - six doubles and three triples - and eight of the nine starters on offense registered at least one hit for the third consecutive game. Brandon Gemoll (So., San Jose, Calif.) led the offensive onslaught by going 4-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. It was Gemoll's fifth four-hit game of the season, a career high, and he extended his career-best hitting streak to 12 games. Anthony Acevedo (Sr., Bakersfield, Calif.) tied his career high with four hits and also scored three runs. Acevedo clubbed a pair of doubles and moved up to ninth place on the all-time doubles list. He now has 40 two-baggers in 105 games as a Bulldog. Tom Creighton (So., Weldon, Calif.) was 2-for-5 with three runs scored and extended his hitting and on-base streaks to 13 and 31 games, respectively. Josh Labandeira (Jr., Porterville, Calif.) was 3-for-6 with a triple, two runs scored and three RBIs. Four other starters each added two hits for the Bulldogs.
"It was a really good offensive effort," Fresno State head coach Bob Bennett said. "We were able to carry things over from the last two games against Hawai'i. We played with a lot of aggression and it was a good offensive performance all the way around tonight."
Tom Graham (Sr., Modesto, Calif.) allowed three runs on seven hits and picked up the victory. Graham walked two and struck out a pair in his seventh quality start of the season. His record improved to 6-4. Zach Minor (So., Walnut Creek, Calif.) relieved Graham in the eighth and struck out three over the final two innings.
"I was happy to see Graham come back and pitch the way he did tonight," Bennett said.
Holscher allowed eight runs on 11 hits in his 5.1 innings of work. His record dropped to 2-7 for the season. The Vulcan bullpen allowed seven runs on 10 hits and walked three over the final 3.2 innings.
The series continues Friday night at Wong Stadium. Shawn Hannah (Sr., Clovis, Calif.) is slated to make his 12th start of the season for the Bulldogs. Hannah will bring a 6-2 record and 3.24 ERA into the contest. Hawai'i-Hilo will counter will left-hander Thomas Ford (4-4, 3.05 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 9 p.m. (PDT).
