Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Oregon
Bulldogs Battle Oregon Tough
2/27/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 27, 2009
EUGENE, Ore. - The Fresno State baseball team recorded eight shutout innings in the first game of a three-game series against Oregon before falling 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Fresno State had six hits while Oregon had seven.
"It was a great atmosphere and they have done a great job with this field. It reminds me a little bit of being in Reno," said head coach Mike Batesole. "We played outstanding defense. Tommy (Mendonca) had some really nice plays. We did a lot of good things, but offensively you have to give their guy credit."
The game marked the second time this season the `Dogs have played in front of a sold out crowd as Oregon opened at home in their first season after a 28-year hiatus.
Danny Muno recorded the first hit in history at PK Park and went 2-for-4, but it was a defensive battle down to the wire.
Senior Holden Sprague got his second start of the season against the Ducks. The right-hander pitched a career-high 7 and 2/3 innings with four strikeouts. Sprague sat down the batters in order in the bottom of the fourth inning.
On the defensive end Preseason WAC Player of the Year Tom Mendonca made several big plays at third base that kept the Ducks from reaching base.
Oregon scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs.
The Bulldogs take on the Ducks for game 2 tomorrow at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on KMJ 580 or watch live stats on www.goducks.com.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs travel north to Oregon to battle the Ducks February 27-March 1. The `Dogs return to Beiden Field on Saturday, March 7 as they host Buffalo at 2:05 pm. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
