Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Buffalo
Mendonca's Home Run Lifts Bulldogs
3/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 11, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - After four lead changes, junior Tom Mendonca hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Bulldogs to a 7-5 victory over Buffalo. The Bulldogs extend their winning streak to six games and remain undefeated in the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic.
The `Dogs are the only undefeated team in the tournament since Buffalo lost tonight. Fresno State improves to 8-4 on the season.
For the third game in the row the Bulldogs have started a freshman on the mound. Taylor Garrison earned his first collegiate start against the Bulls.
The right-hander from Murrieta, Calif. threw a career-high five innings and struck out two batters. Garrison has thrown 12.1 innings with eight strikeouts and a 2.19 ERA on the season.
"How about three freshmen in three days getting starts," said head coach Mike Batesole. "All getting through five innings, the first two, Poytress and Benny, get wins and Garrison leaves in a position to win today. That bodes well for our future and they are all throwing strikes."
Buffalo scored first with a solo home run in the top of the second inning taking the 1-0 lead.
The Bulldogs answered the bottom of the third when Preseason All-WAC player Gavin Hedstrom hit a sacrifice fly to left center and freshman Trent Garrison scored tying the game at 1-1.
The Bulls scored a run in the top of the fifth inning to regain the lead 2-1.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, sophomore Danny Muno hit a triple to center field and Brennan Gowens crossed home plate to tie the game at two runs apiece. The Bulldogs got their first lead of the game when Alan Ahmady hit a single to right field and Muno scored giving the `Dogs the 3-2 lead.
Buffalo tied the game, 3-3, in the top of the seventh after scoring one run.
In the bottom of the seventh inning with runners on the corners, Ahmady singled to center field and Muno scored the go ahead. Ahmady went 3-for-4 on the night with two RBIs.
Steve Detwiler singled to center and Hedstrom crossed home plate giving the `Dogs the 5-3 lead.
The Bulls tied the game, 5-5, in the top of the eighth inning after scoring two runs.
Senior Holden Sprague pitched x innings in relief and struck out x Bull batters.
The Fresno State defense shined as both Alan Ahmady and Tom Mendonca made plays that proved why they were selected as Preseason All-Americans.
"We are pitching well and playing good defense. That was an outstanding defensive performance today," said Batesole. "We turned a big double play in the clutch. The pitchers are throwing strikes and playing good defense, we give ourselves a chance."
Tom Mendonca hit a two-run home run to give the Bulldogs the 7-5 win over the Bulls. The home run is the fifth of the season for the junior and he needs nine more to tie the career home run record.
The Bulldogs continue Pepsi/Johnny Quik play tomorrow against Portland at 6:05 p.m.
Cal State Bakersfield picked up its first win in tournament play after defeating Portland 9-7. The Roadrunners came back and scored nine runs late in the game to earn the win and improve to 1-2. The Pilots are now 0-3 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 Portland Thursday night at 6 pm. Stop by selected Johnny Quik locations for complimentary tickets to the Pepsi Johnny Quik Classic. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
