Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Louisiana Tech
Mendonca Launches into Fresno State History
4/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 18, 2009
RUSTON, La. - Fresno State history was made this evening at J.C. Love Field when Tom Mendonca launched his 44th career home run over the right field wall. The Bulldogs hit five out of the park in a doubleheader against Louisiana Tech.
The Bulldogs lost both games to Louisiana Tech, 11-9 and 17-5. The `Dogs are 2-4 in WAC and 18-18 overall mark in 2009.
Mendonca became the new home run king after passing Giuseppe Chiaramonte, who hit 43 home runs in his career. Mendonca tied the record last Monday against New Mexico State.
"It would have been better to get the win along with the record," said Mendonca. "It is nice to make it into Fresno State's record books, but we are focused on coming back tomorrow and getting two W's."
After a night filled with rain and the first game being postponed, the matchup between the Fresno State Bulldogs and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs finally got underway Saturday afternoon at J.C. Love Field.
Game 1: Louisiana Tech 11, Fresno State 9
Left fielder Dusty Robinson threw a La Tech runner out at a second base after he singled to left field in the second inning. Right-hander Matt Morse retired the inning sitting the La Tech batters down in order.
In the third inning, leadoff batter Danny Muno reached base after getting hit by a pitch. Robinson hit a two-run home run to right field giving the Fresno Bulldogs the 2-0 lead. It is the third home run of the season for the freshman.
First baseman Alan Ahmady singled up the middle to continue the rally. Junior Steve Detwiler walked moving Ahmady to second base. Designated hitter Jake Johnson singled to shallow center field allowing Ahmady to score and Detwiler advanced to third base increasing the `Dogs lead to 3-0.
Danny Grubb doubled down the left field line as Detwiler scored and the Bulldogs tallied four runs in the third inning to take a 4-0 lead.
Louisiana Tech scored one run in the bottom of the third inning trailing Fresno State 4-1.
Muno opened the fourth inning getting walked. Robinson hit another two-run home run this time to left field giving the Bulldogs a 6-1 lead. Robinson has five home runs on the season. He went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs this afternoon.
Morse started on the mound for Fresno State, his sixth start in 2009. The junior threw six innings striking out three batters.
Sophomore Trent Soares pinch hit for Isacc Vivas. Soares walked in the top of the fifth inning. Soares advanced to second base on a balk. Muno doubled to right field allowing Soares to score and the Bulldogs extended their lead to 7-1.
The Fresno State infield turned their 29th double play of the year in the bottom of the fifth inning.
In the top of the sixth inning, third baseman Tom Mendonca singled to right field. Hedstrom hit a sacrifice bunt advancing Mendonca to second base. Hedstrom leads the WAC in sacrifice bunts with eight on the year.Sophomore Nick Hom doubled to left center field as Mendonca scored the eighth run of the game for the Bulldogs.
In the sixth inning, La Tech hit a three-run home run bringing them within four as they trailed Fresno State 8-4. Louisiana Tech hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning and the La Tech Bulldogs trail 8-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Grubb singled to shallow left field in the top of ninth inning. Grubb advanced to second base on balk. Soares singled to right field advancing Grubb to third base. Muno singled to right field as Grubb scored increasing the Bulldogs lead to 9-6.
Louisiana Tech scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win 11-9.
Fresno State outhit La Tech 16-10, but the walk off home run gave La Tech the win.
Game 2: Louisiana Tech 17, Fresno State 5
Leadoff batter Danny Muno opened game 2 with a walk. Dusty Robinson grounded out at first base advancing Muno to second base. Junior Alan Ahmady singled to left field driving in Muno giving the Bulldogs the 1-0 lead.
Louisiana Tech scored five runs in the first two innings to take a 5-1 lead. Left-hander Josh Poytress started game 2 for the Bulldogs. The freshman threw three innings striking out two batters.
Louisiana Tech scored added three runs in the third inning increasing their lead to 8-1.
In the fourth inning, designated hitter Kenny Wise hit a solo home run over the right field wall and the `Dogs trail 8-2. It is the freshman's third home run of the season.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, La Tech scored their ninth run of the night.
Mendonca hit a solo home run to right field and the Bulldogs trail 9-3. Mendonca now has 44 career home runs and becomes the new Fresno State home run king passing Giuseppe Chiaramonte who hit 43 from 1995-97.
Center fielder Trent Soares singled to right field to start off the sixth inning. Muno homered to right field and the Bulldogs trailed 9-5. Muno has two home runs on the season.
Louisiana Tech scored eight runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and Louisiana Tech wins 17-5.
The Bulldogs will conclude their four-game series against Louisiana Tech tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m. pacific time.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs travel to Louisiana Tech for a four game WAC series April 17-19. The Bulldogs return to Beiden Field Friday, May 1 as they host WAC rival Nevada. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
