Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Defeat Hawai'i
5/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 7, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State baseball team's bats came alive in the fourth inning scoring eight runs off five hits and taking a commanding lead midway through the game. The `Dogs rallied again late in the game for three runs sealing the win over Hawai'i, 17-9.
The Bulldogs launched three out of the park against the Rainbows and had 17 hits on the night. Only one Bulldog struck out against Hawai'i, which is the least amount of strikeouts in a game by the `Dogs this season.
"The offense came out swinging today and it is awesome when we have everyone on the same page," said freshman Dusty Robinson. "We stuck to the plan and everyone saw the ball well tonight."
After winning the first game of the series, Fresno State is 7-10 in conference play and has an overall mark of 23-25. The `Dogs have a three game winning streak heading into tomorrow night's game.
"It was a big win and this is the biggest series of the year. Getting the first win gets us on the board," said head coach Mike Batesole. "We have had some games where we have been out in front and got run down. We have had some series where we got out in front and got run down. We have to show up tomorrow and keep pushing ahead."
Hawai'i jumped on the board early scoring a run in the first inning taking the lead, 1-0.
The Bulldogs answered in the bottom of the first inning tying the game with a solo home run from Robinson that sailed well over the scoreboard in left field.
"There were two keys to the game. The first inning when they (Hawai'i) go bases loaded Tom (Mendonca) makes some great plays and we get out of it allowing one run," said Batesole. "The other key was they scored in four innings and we answered back in the next half inning."
First baseman Alan Ahmady doubled to left center field. Tom Mendonca singled to the second baseman moving Ahmady to third base. Gowens grounded out allowing Ahmady to score the go ahead run giving the `Dogs the lead, 2-1.
The Rainbows scored two runs in the second inning taking the lead, 4-2.
The `Dogs opened the bottom of the second inning with a pair of walks from Trent Garrison and Isacc Vivas. Second baseman Danny Muno knocked a double to left center field bringing in a run and advancing Vivas to third base. Robinson hit a double down the left field line to clear the bases giving the Bulldogs the lead, 5-4.
The duo of Muno and Garrison caught two Hawai'i runners attempting to steal second base.
Hawai'i regained the lead, 6-5, in the fourth inning after scoring two runs.
In the fourth inning, Muno singled and reached second base on an error. Robinson walked. Ahmady reached on a fielder's choice as Muno was tagged out at third base and Robinson moved to second base. Mendonca walked advancing Robinson and Ahmady. Gowens singled to center field bringing in Robinson and Ahmady and the Bulldogs take the lead, 7-6.
The Bulldogs continued the rally when Hedstrom grounded out advancing the runners to second and third base. Steve Detwiler loaded the bases after being intentionally walked. Garrison singled to center field allowing Mendonca and Gowens to score and the Bulldogs increased their lead, 9-6.
Vivas singled to right field bringing Detwiler home and moving Garrison to third base. Muno doubled allowing Garrison to score and Vivas advanced to third base as the `Dogs extended their lead to 11-6.
Robinson singled through the left side bringing in two more Bulldog runs giving Fresno State the lead, 13-6, in the fourth inning.
Junior Matt Morse got the starting nod from coach Batesole Thursday night. He sat down the Hawai'i batters 1-2-3 in the sixth inning. Morse struck out five batters in seven innings.
The Bulldogs retired the sixth inning turning their 40th double play of the season.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Muno walked. Robinson reached base on a fielder's choice as Muno was tagged out at second base. Robinson advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Mendonca walked. Gowens loaded the bases with a single to the first baseman. Hedstrom singled to shallow right field allowing Robinson to score and the `Dogs lead, 14-6.
Hawai'i scored three runs in the eighth inning and trail the Bulldogs, 14-9.
In the ninth inning, pinch hitter Jake Johnson launched a home run on the first pitch over the center field wall, his fifth of the season and Fresno State leads, 15-9.
Robinson singled to left field to continue the eighth inning rally. Ahmady hit his sixth home run of the year to right field as the Bulldogs lead, 17-9.
Fresno State took the first game of the series by a score of 17-9.
"We are playing really well right now," said Robinson. "We are hitting the ball, our pitchers are coming out throwing strike and we are playing good defense."
Friday night's game the Bulldogs will honor Tom Mendonca with a special ceremony celebrating the home run record the third baseman broke on April 18. Limited edition home run t-shirts will be available at the Bulldog Shop kiosk at the game for $15.
Fresno State will also be giving away an iPod touch to the loudest and craziest Fresno State student at tomorrow's game.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs host Hawai'i in a four-game WAC series Thursday through Saturday. The `Dogs and Rainbows play Thursday night at 6:05 pm, Friday at 6:05 pm and wrap up the series with a doubleheader Saturday starting at 2:05 pm. Come out early on Saturday to help Fresno State marketing students break a world record with the world's largest recyclable college mascot. Bring your aluminum cans and throw them in the Bulldog's mouth. The Bulldog will be in the Red Lot from 12-2 pm. There will also be FREE Fresno State ice cream! The first 250 fans to bring 5 or more aluminum cans will receive FREE admission to the Saturday doubleheader! Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office, calling 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
