Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Buffalo
Bulldogs Sweep Buffalo
3/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 8, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The offense came alive for the Fresno State baseball team they beat the Buffalo Bulls, 22-4, on a sunny Sunday afternoon. This is the most runs the `Dogs have scored since their historic post season run when they scored 17 runs against Rice and 19 runs against Georgia.
In front of an impressive crowd of 2,084 the Bulldogs out hit the Bulls 17-7. Fresno State improves to 5-4 on the season.
Sophomore Jake Floethe started out the game sitting the Bull batters down 1-2-3. The right-hander from Lafayette, Calif. threw six innings and struck out four batters. Floethe earned the win bringing his record to 2-0. He has sat down 14 batters in 18 innings and has a 1.00 ERA allowing only two earned runs.
The Bulldog infield lead the nation in double plays turned in 2008 and turned three against the Bulls.
"We did a great job on defense with no errors," said head coach Mike Batesole. "Floethe did a great job pounding the mitt. It doesn't really matter what the other team does, it matters what our dugout does and we are here to do our thing. I am proud of the way these guys played today."
The Bulldogs took an early 2-0 lead as Preseason All-WAC Player Gavin Hedstrom continued the home run derby started in game 1 with a two-run home run to left field.
The home run was the first of the season for the senior. Hedstrom had a career-high six at bats against the Bulls with two hits and three RBIs.
The Bulldogs extended their lead by scoring another five runs in the first inning. Three Bulldogs walked to load the bases. Senior catcher Danny Grubb walked bringing in a Bulldog runner.
With the bases loaded again, second baseman Isacc Vivas singled to through the left side driving in Dusty Robinson and Steve Detwiler. Danny Muno singled to up the middle and Grubb scored. Vivas scored after Alan Ahmady walked with the bases loaded giving the `Dogs the 7-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
Fresno State tied the single inning record for most walks with seven `Dogs getting walked in the first inning. The last time that many Bulldogs were walked was on March 8, 1983 against Cal Poly in the first inning.
The Bulldogs went on to beat the single game record for walks after 16 `Dogs were walked. The previous record was 14 last done on April 4, 1990 against Cal Poly.
"Everyone was calm at the plate. When you get a lead like, we get patient and that is what you saw there, along with a good eye," said Hedstrom. "We got their pitching staff in trouble and our offense is finally at the point we are comfortable scoring runs."
Buffalo scored a single run in the top of the second inning.
Fresno State increased its lead, 11-1, after scoring four runs in the top of the second inning. Robinson singled to left field. The next at bat freshman Kenny Wise singled to through the right side. Center fielder Trent Soares singled down the right field line driving in Robinson.
Muno singled up the middle bringing in Wise. Hedstrom also singled to left field and Soares scored. Muno scored the final run of the inning on a wild pitch.
Wise hit his first career two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning to give the `Dogs the 13-1 lead. The designated hitter went 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs.
In the bottom of the fifth inning the Bulldogs added three runs increasing the `Dogs lead16-1. Wise walked and Grubb singled down the left field line. Soares singled through the right side and Wise scored. Muno doubled to right field driving in Grubb and Soares. Muno went 4-for-4 with four RBIs.
Fresno State scored five runs in the sixth inning. With the bases loaded sophomore Nick Hom singled through the left side and Jordan Ribera scored. Brennan Gowens scored on a wild pitch. Freshman Ryan Allgrove doubled to center field and three Bulldogs scored giving the `Dogs 21-1 lead.
The Bulldogs added their last run of the game in the seventh inning.
"A lot of offense depends on who scores first. In a baseball game it can spark an entire offense and that's what we say today," said Hedstrom. "We got two early runs and we kept putting them up."
Cody Kendall, Tom Harlan, and Gene Escat all earned time on the mound. Combined the pitchers threw three innings and struck out three Bull batters.
The Bulls scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning as the `Dogs held on to a 22-4 win over Buffalo.
The Bulldogs hosts the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Tournament March 9-14 and face Portland in game 1 tomorrow at 6:05 p.m.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs host the Pepsi Johnny Quik Classic at Beiden Field March 9-14. The `Dogs host Portland Monday 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.
