Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
San Diego
Scheppers' Great Outing Not Enough In Loss
2/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 29, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Despite a standout performance from starter Tanner Scheppers and an early 2-0 lead on the San Diego Toreros, the Fresno State Bulldogs suffered their second defeat in as many days, dropping a 5-2 decision to the tournament hosts.
The Bulldogs roughed up Torero starter Brian Matusz for two runs in the top of the first inning after a two-RBI double by Bulldog left fielder Steve Susdorf. For Susdorf, it was his third double in two games.
But after that, Fresno State struggled mightily to muster any offensive attack, although it still managed to out-hit San Diego by an eight to five clip. However, two Bulldog errors and a home run off of Scheppers allowed the Toreros to score one and two runs, respectively and steal the lead for good.
With scouts from all 30 major league teams said to be in attendance, Scheppers shined for the Bulldogs on the mound. Scheppers finished his outing having thrown six innings, allowing four hits, the first of which came in the fifth inning, and striking out nine Torero batters. However, Scheppers would be labeled with the loss, his first of the season.
Offensively for the Bulldogs, Erik Wetzel was the lone man in the lineup to record two hits, and added a run scored to his box score totals. Fresno State designated hitter Nick Hom picked up the only other extra-base hit for the Bulldogs with his double in the ninth inning.
Down three runs in the ninth inning, the Bulldogs were able to get men on first and second base, but Wetzel would line out to the second baseman to end the threat for the Bulldogs. The offensive downfall for Fresno State was nearly the same for the Toreros as the two teams combined for 29 strikeouts, 16 of which were tallied by Bulldog batters.
Fresno State will now shift over to San Diego State's Tony Gwynn Stadium to take on Cal Poly for their third of four games in the San Diego Tournament, with the game's first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State baseball team will play in Tony Gwynn Stadium to take on Cal Poly on Saturday, March 1 at 1 p.m. and San Diego State on Sunday, March 2 at 4 p.m. The `Dogs will begin an eight game home stand March 8 featuring two games against Indiana before the six-team Pepsi/Johnny Quik Tournament March 10-15. For information on an All-Tournament ticket package, log on to www.gobulldogs.com and click on Tickets.
