Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Cal Poly
Pitcher's Duel Results In Heartbreak Loss For 'Dogs
3/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 1, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - It was the Fresno State baseball team's best chance at a win so far in the San Diego Tournament, but the Bulldogs came up heartbroken once again after losing a 2-1 contest to the Cal Poly Mustangs.
Fresno State received another solid start from senior Clayton Allison (0-1), who took a no-decision after throwing seven and one-third innings--the longest outing by a Bulldog starter this year--allowing only one run and striking out five Mustang batters. In just his second outing of the year, Allison allowed a sprinkling of only seven hits and lowered his ERA to 2.70.
The Bulldogs (2-5) went six full innings before seriously threatening to score, as they did not advance a runner to third base until the seventh inning. However, that would also be the same inning Fresno State would push across a run, as Ryan Overland's leadoff walk started the momentum for the Bulldogs.
Fresno State senior Blake Amador then pinch-ran for Overland and would eventually score after a batted ball by the Bulldogs' Erik Wetzel was misplayed by Cal Poly second baseman Pat Pezet.
Offensively for the Bulldogs, designated hitter Gavin Hedstrom, who entered the game with only one hit on the year, came through with a hit in each of his two at-bats against the Mustangs.
Cal Poly got on the scoreboard first with a run in the top of the second inning as an RBI double to right-center field from Josh Thomas scored Adam Melker all the way from first base.
With the game tied at 1-1 entering the ninth inning, Cal Poly sent the winning run across home plate as a leadoff double, a sacrifice bunt and a fielder's choice off of Fresno State pitcher Brandon Burke sealed the win for the Mustangs.
Mustangs starter Derrick Saito kept Bulldogs hitters off balance at the plate for all six innings of work, as he struck out nine Bulldog batters, seven of whom were looking. For the game, Fresno State struck out 12 times.
With one day remaining in the San Diego Tournament, the Fresno State Bulldogs will attempt to salvage a win against No. 22 San Diego State, Sunday. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start with Fresno State starter Justin Miller expected to take the mound.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Fresno State baseball team will wrap up their road trip on Sunday, March 2 in Tony Gwynn Stadium against San Diego State 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.
