Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Rice*
Bulldogs Drop Conference Opener to No. 4 Rice, 6-1
3/26/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 26, 2004
HOUSTON, Texas - Rice starter Jeff Niemann struck out 12 and scattered a run on two hits over 7 1/3 innings to lead No. 4 Rice to a 6-1 win over Fresno State Friday night at Reckling Park. The game was the Bulldogs' conference opener, who fell to 7-5 all-time in WAC lid lifters.
The Bulldogs dropped to 12-17 overall and 0-1 in the WAC while the Owls improved to 18-6 on the season and 6-1 in conference play.
Fresno State tallied its lone run of the game in the first inning when junior infielder David Gomez delivered a two-out two-strike doubled down the right field line to plate freshman outfielder DeAndre Miller who walked to open the frame. A leadoff single in the fourth by sophomore outfielder Richie Robnett was the only other hit Niemann would allow on the night.
Owls' outfielder Lance Pendleton drew a two-out bases loaded walk in the home half of the first to tie the game at 1-1. Designated hitter Adam Hale put Rice ahead for good with his second home run of the year with one out in the second.
Rice extended its advantage to 6-1 with four runs in the fifth. Pendleton clubbed a three-run homer with one out and Hale dropped a two-out run scoring double to center off Fresno State starter Michael Cooper. The sophomore right hander suffered the loss, yielding six runs on eight hits and six walks while striking out one to drop to 2-4 on the season. Hale was 2-3 with two RBI and a run scored for the game.
The series continues Saturday at noon PST.
Fresno State 100 000 000 - 1 2 0No. 4 Rice 110 040 00x - 6 8 2Cooper, Quinonez (6), Infante (7), and Marcelli; Niemann, Degerman (8), and Rodgers and Reagan (8). W- Niemann (4-2). L- Cooper (2-4). S- None. Hrs: FS: None; Rice: Hale (2), Pendleton (4). T: 2:33. A: 3117.
