Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Louisiana Tech
Baseball Defeats Louisiana Tech 3-2
4/6/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 6, 2002
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State (19-16, 7-4 WAC) defeated Louisiana Tech for the fifth straight time with a 3-2 decision Saturday night at Pete Beiden Field. Senior RHP Bob Runyon (Atwater, Calif.) threw his fifth complete game of the season allowing just two runs and striking out a career-high 11 batters.
Once again Louisiana Tech (15-18, 2-9 WAC) got solid pitching from its starter, but failed to score runs in key moments. RHP Casey Blalock, who allowed just two runs against FS the first time, went seven innings allowing just three runs. Blalock dropped to 5-5 on the year.
"We've seen some tough pitching in this series so far. [Blalock] was good and tomorrow their going with another tough pitcher," said Coach Bennett.
Runyon, who threw a complete game shutout his first time against LaTech, pitched eight shutout innings before surrenduring two in the ninth. Runyon improved to 5-6 on the year.
"I was in a groove tonight. I tried to keep them off balance by mixing my pitches and my defense played solid behind me. It's always good when you can hang on to win these close ballgames," said Runyon.
At the plate the Bulldogs were sparked by a pair of solo homers by juniors second baseman Scott Beshears (Fresno, Calif.) and outfielder Joey Myers (Fresno, Calif.). It was the first career home run for Beshears and the second of the season for Myers.
Beshears went 2-for-2 on the day, with the lone RBI being the home run, which he hit in the third inning from the left side of the plate over the right field wall.
The third run for FS came in the seventh inning off a pinch-hit double by freshman Brandon Esparza (Gilroy, Calif.) that drove in junior first baseman Ben Fritz (San Jose, Calif.).
It would turn out to be the winning run as Louisiana Tech rallied in the ninth with two runs. Shortstop Wade Robinson and outfielder Kevin Marshall each drove in runs in the inning to cut the lead to 3-2.
With two outs and a runner on first, Runyon struck out designated hitter Adam Dodson to end the rally and the ballgame.
With the win, Fresno State extended its home game winning streak to 10 games.
Sophomore third baseman Casey McGehee (Santa Cruz, Calif.) extended his hitting-streak to 10 games with a bunt single late in the game.
Fresno State and Louisiana Tech will wrap up their series tomorrow at 1:05 p.m.
