Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Houston
Baseball Blanked 11-0 By No. 5 Houston
3/26/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 26, 2002
HOUSTON - Fresno State (17-13, 5-1 WAC) lost its fourth consecutive game against a ranked team, getting blanked 11-0 by No. 5 Houston (19-7). It also marked the fourth straight game the Bulldogs lose against a non-conference opponent.
The Cougars used a pitcher-by-committee to shut out the Bulldogs. Seven different Cougar pitchers combined for a seven-hit shutout, striking out eight while just walking one. LHP Danny Zell would earn the win going the first two innings allowing two hits while striking out three.
Sophomores shortstop Chris Patrick (Fresno, Calif.) and outfielder Christian Hallaian (Clovis, Calif.) were the only two Bulldogs to collect more than a hit, each going 2-for-4.
Sophomore LHP Mike Hernandez (Fresno, Calif.), who had not given up a run the last 7.1 innings of work, was tagged for six runs in 1.1 innings. Hernandez not only had to battle the six hits sprayed by Houston but also the three balks and one hit batter.
It was the most earned runs allowed by Hernandez this season and most runs since his last start against Washington when he allowed seven.
Senior RHP Francisco Nieves (Oakland, Calif.) and freshman RHP Sean Ruthven (Alpharetta, Ga.) pitched in relief for FS. Ruthven, who pitched the last four innings, was the most effective allowing just one run while striking out two.
The Cougars were led by second baseman Stuart Musslewhite at the plate. Musslewhite went 3-for-5 with three runs and three RBI, including a two-run triple in the first inning.
Nine different Houston hitters had at least one hit in the game. Catcher Chris Snyder had the only homer of the game, which was a solo shot in the third inning.
The loss snaps the Bulldogs 11-game winning streak, which started in the second game of the San Jose State series.
Fresno State will remain in Houston for a three-game set against No. 3 Rice starting Friday at 5 p.m.
