Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Cal State Bakersfield
Bulldogs Beat Roadrunners 16-1
3/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 10, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State baseball team extended its winning streak to five games as the Bulldogs beat Cal State Bakersfield 16-1. The `Dogs are 2-0 in Pepsi/Johnny Quik play and improve to 7-4 overall. The Bulldogs scored 16 runs on 12 hits.
The Bulldogs have scored 51 runs in the last four games and allowed only eight. The team is batting .343 and four Bulldogs batted over .400 since Saturday.
"We are taking more patient, team oriented at bat's," said head coach Mike Batesole. "Early, we were trying to do a little too much, which is not unusual. These kids want to win. Now we are settling in a bit offensively."
Derek Benny earned the starting nod for the `Dogs in the second game of the tournament. It was the first start for the freshman. He earned his first win and improved to 1-1 on the season. The right-hander threw five innings and struck out three Roadrunners.
"We are excitied to see our freshman pitching with confidence," said Batesole. "We expect them to continue to get innings and steadily improve."
Cal State Bakersfield scored its only run the first inning.
The Bulldogs bounced back scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. With the bases loaded designated hitter Kenny Wise hit a single to left center bringing in two Bulldogs. Wise went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and is batting .389.
Preseason All-WAC player Steve Detwiler stole home to give the Bulldogs a 3-1 lead.
In the bottom of the fifth inning center fielder Brennan Gowens launched a double to left center field and Wise crossed the plate extending the Bulldogs lead 4-1.Gowens hit 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Gowens advanced to third on an error. Sophomore Danny Muno walked and Gavin Hedstrom reached on an error as Gowens scored. Preseason All-American Alan Ahmady hit a triple to right center field as Muno and Hedstrom both crossed home plate giving the Bulldogs the 7-1 lead.
Senior Danny Grubb, who is third in the WAC in catching runners stealing, caught his fifth runner out at second. Grubb has caught five runners stealing on the season.
The Bulldogs added three runs giving the `Dogs the 10-1 lead. Freshman Dusty Robinson started the offensive surge with a two-run home run. Gowens singled to left center field and Jace Brown, who pinch ran for Grubb after he walked, advanced to third. Brown scored on a passed ball.
WAC Preseason Player of the Year Tom Mendonca hit his fourth home run of the season building the `Dogs lead to 11-1. The third baseman has 33 career home runs and needs 10 more to tie for the most career home runs in Fresno State history.
Matt Morse pitched in relief in the seventh inning. He threw three innings striking out three batters.
The Bulldogs added five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Sophomore Jordan Ribera hit a two-run home run to right center field increasing the `Dogs lead to 13-1. The home run was the first of the season for Ribera and third of the game for the Bulldogs.
Freshman Ryan Allgrove hit a double to left center field as Dane McLaughlin and Jake Johnson scored the final runs of the game giving Fresno State the 16-1 win.
The Bulldogs continue Pepsi/Johnny Quik tournament play tomorrow at 6:05 p.m. against Buffalo.
Buffalo pulled off another come from behind win today against Portland in the afternoon game. The Bulls pulled off the 9-7 win and are also 2-0 in the tournament.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs host the Pepsi Johnny Quik Classic at Beiden Field March 9-14. The `Dogs host Buffalo Wednesday night at 6 pm. Stop by selected Johnny Quik locations for complimentary tickets to the Pepsi Johnny Quik Classic. All tickets are buy-one-get-one FREE. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
