Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Portland
Bulldogs Battle Pilots Tough
3/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 12, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State pitching staff struck out a combined eight Portland batters, but it wasn't enough as the `Dogs fell, 4-2, to the Pilots. The Bulldogs picked up their first loss of the tournament and are now 3-1 in Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic action. Fresno State is 8-5 on the season.
The Pilots jumped on the board first scoring two runs in the top of the first inning giving them the 2-0 lead.
"Portland pitched a great ball game today.We were disciplined and waited him out, but he beat us," said head coach Mike Batesole. "You have to give the kid credit sometimes you have to tip your hat."
Sophomore Danny Muno scored the `Dogs first run. The short stop hit a double to left field. Gavin Hedstrom flew out allowing Muno advanced to third. Muno scored on a fielder's choice and the Bulldogs trailed 2-1.
Sean Bonesteele got his third start of the year. The junior threw 2 1/3 innings striking out three batters.
The Pilots increased their lead adding two runs in the top of the third inning extending their lead 4-1.
Freshman Cody Kendall made his fifth appearance in relief. The righty threw a career-high five innings striking out five Pilots.
Preseason All-WAC player Steve Detwiler hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to narrow the lead 4-2. It is the second home run of the season for the junior.
The Bulldogs got out of a jam in the top of the fifth inning and turned their eighth double play of 2009. The `Dogs infield lead the nation in double plays turned last season.
The `Dogs defense continued to dazzle the crowd, third baseman Tom Mendonca made a spectacular diving stop and threw the runner out at first base preventing the Pilots from increasing their lead.
The Bulldogs continue Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic action against Cal State Bakersfield tomorrow at 6:05 p.m.
Buffalo defeated Cal State Bakersfield, 23-10, in the afternoon game. Buffalo improves to 3-1 in the tournament and CSUB is 1-3.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs host the Pepsi Johnny Quik Classic at Beiden Field March 9-14. The `Dogs host CSU Bakersfield Friday night at 6 pm. It's Fresno State Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night. Show your Fresno State ID and receive $4 tickets (limit 4). 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.
