Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
Cal State Bakersfield
'Dogs Wrap Series with Roadrunners, Home this Weekend
4/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 8, 2009
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bulldogs concluded the battle of Highway 99 Wednesday afternoon against Cal State Bakersfield. The Bulldogs lost 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Bulldogs closed out their non-conference schedule with an overall mark of 16-14.
The `Dogs begin to defend their WAC title against New Mexico State at home April 10-13. The Bulldogs look to win their fourth straight WAC League and Tournament Championships in 2009. Watch history in the making this weekend as third baseman Tom Mendonca closes in on Fresno State's home run record. Mendonca needs three more home runs to become the home run king.
The Bulldogs defense dominated the first couple of innings against CSUB. Freshman catcher Trent Garrison caught a Roadrunner stealing second base to retire the first inning.
Mendonca showcased his defensive skills making a great diving catch as right-hander Matt Morse sat down the Roadrunner batters 1-2-3.
In the second inning, Garrison singled up the middle. Garrison advanced to second base on a balk. Left fielder Trent Soares hit a sacrifice bunt advancing Garrison to third base. Brennan Gowens reached base on fielder's choice as Garrison was tagged out at home plate. Gowens advanced to second base with the throw to home. Senior Gavin Hedstrom singled up the middle as Gowens crossed the plate and the Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead.
Cody Kendall came out of the bullpen for the Bulldogs in the third inning sitting down the batters in order. Kendall sat down five consecutive Roadrunner batters.
First baseman Alan Ahmady walked. Junior Steve Detwiler singled up the middle advancing Ahmady to third base. Designated hitter Kenny Wise walked to load the bases. Garrison reached on a fielder's choice as Detwiler advanced to third base and Ahmady scored giving the `Dogs the 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. CSUB hit a solo home run in the fifth inning and narrowed the Bulldogs lead to 2-1.
Garrison caught a Roadrunner attempting to steal second base. It is the second runner Garrison caught stealing second base this afternoon.
The Roadrunners scored a run tying the game 2-2 in the sixth inning.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Gene Escat got the Bulldogs out of a jam striking out two batters and leaving two stranded on base. Escat tied his career-high four strikeouts in a game against CSUB.
The Roadrunners scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to win 3-2.
The Bulldogs open the 2009 WAC season this weekend against New Mexico State. The four-game series kicks off on April 10 at 6:05 p.m. at Beiden Field.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs open WAC play as the New Mexico State Aggies come to Beiden Field April 10-13. The `Dogs and Aggies play Friday at 6:05 pm, Saturday at 6:05 pm, Sunday at 2:05 pm and wrap up the series Monday at 6:05 pm. Junior Bulldog Kids Club members can run the bases after Sunday's game. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
