Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Pepperdine
Bulldogs Win On Walk Off Double Against Pepperdine
2/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 11, 2006
Fresno, Calif. - In a full team effort, Brandon Burke pitched 3.1 innings of hitless relief and five players recorded RBIs as the Bulldogs grabbed a Saturday win over No. 11 Pepperdine 9-8. The Bulldogs recovered from an early 4-0 deficit to move ahead in the middle innings, and finished off the game in the bottom of the ninth when Christian Vitters scored on a Beau Mills double to end the game for a Fresno State win.
The game started roughly for the Bulldogs, as Fresno State starter Eddie Romero got into a little trouble early. Indicative of how his start would be, leadoff hitter Adrian Ortiz doubled to left when a Texas Leaguer landed just fair in between outfielder Steve Susdorf and shortstop Christian Vitters. Romero was able to get through the inning, but the Waves batted around and scored three runs in the first. Pepperdine added a fourth run in the second when a pickoff attempt went sour, allowing David Uribes to steal home after reaching base on a double and moving to third.
Fresno State recovered in the fourth inning, when a sharp hit from Frank LoNigro went through the infield, and after an Erik Weztel walk, Steve Susdorf cleared the bases with his third home run of the season to bring the Bulldogs within one. Fresno State then took the lead the next inning, scoring two more runs off of a Christian Vitters long ball.
Pepperdine was next to answer back, scoring two unearned runs in the fifth and two in the sixth to the Bulldogs one, moving ahead for the second time in the game at 8-7. Brandon Burke then entered the game for the Bulldogs for Romero, and retired David Uribes with the bases loaded to keep the game in reach for the Bulldogs.
Burke remained in control for the rest of the game, retiring the side in the seventh and eighth innings without giving up a hit, and the Bulldogs made their move in the eighth. After a Frank LoNigro popup, Pepperdine reliever James Johnson hit Todd Sandell, opening the door for a Fresno State rally. Ozzie Lewis singled up the middle and Steve Susdorf walked, loading the bases for Loren Storey. Storey hit a ground ball to left, which was turned for the fielder's choice but not the double play as Storey beat the throw, allowing Sandell to score from third.
Burke put on only his second base runner in the top of the ninth, walking Uribes, but was backed up by his defense, as Christian Vitters and Gavin Hedstrom turned a tight double play to give Burke two outs, and he took care of the rest, striking out Justin Tellam.
In the offensive half of the ninth for the Bulldogs, Bob Della Grotta retired Nick Moresi to get the first out, but walked Christian Vitters to give the Bulldogs a runner. With Vitters moving on a 1-0 pitch, designated hitter Beau Mills doubled to left, and Vitters beat the throw home to win the game for the Bulldogs.
Burke picked up the win for the Bulldogs, pitching 3.1 innings of hitless relief, allowing no runs while striking out two. Fresno State and No. 11 Pepperdine conclude their three-game series at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Beiden Field.
