Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs offense explodes for 9-1 win over UNLV
5/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
By: Travis Blanshan
tblanshan@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
LAS VEGAS - A five-run fifth inning and seven shutout innings from sophomore southpaw Ricky Tyler Thomas were more than enough on Friday night as Fresno State defeated UNLV 9-1 at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
"What a great team win tonight," said head coach Mike Batesole after the 'Dogs 34th win of the season. "(Ricky) Thomas was able to get out of some jams tonight and I really like the way we are playing defense. That five-run fifth inning changed the complexion of the game and I really like that we stayed in to the game and did not allow them to get comfortable to make a comeback."
Winning its fourth straight road game and eighth game in its last nine overall, Fresno State (34-17, 20-8 MW) pounded out 13 hits to defeat UNLV for the 10th time in the two teams last 11 meetings.
The 'Dogs had a balanced offensive attack as four players had multi-hit games led by a pair of three-hit performances from junior second baseman Scott Silva and junior outfielder Austin Guibor. It was Silva's 10th multi-hit game and Guibor matched his career-high with three hits, including picking up his fourth double of the season.
Junior outfielder Jake Stone added two extra-base hits with his team-leading fourth triple and added a two-run home run. Sophomore first baseman Aaron Arruda smacked his 10th home run of the season and added three RBIs.
UNLV (22-27, 12-13 MW) had nine hits off Bulldog pitching with leadoff hitter Kyle Isbel being the lone Rebel with two hits. Designated hitter Cooper Esmay and center fielder Cody Howard each had one double and pinch-hitter Max Smith added a ninth inning triple.
The 'Dogs scored first for the 34th time this season with a run in the second inning off a sacrifice bunt by junior third baseman Jesse Medrano before the offense exploded for a five-run fifth inning to break the game open and allow Thomas plenty of run support.
Sophomore catcher Nick Warren drew a one-out walk and freshman outfielder Zach Ashford followed with a single. With a pair of runners on for Silva, the Clovis native delivered with a single to right center to drive in Warren and move Ashford to second. Stone followed with a triple down the right field line to clear the bases and Arruda followed with home run to center field to give the 'Dogs a 6-0 lead.
A two-run shot by Stone in the seventh put the 'Dogs up 8-0 and an RBI single by Arruda in the ninth made it 9-0. The Rebels broke up the 'Dogs bid for its fourth shutout of the season with a run in the ninth off reliever Mark Reece.
Thomas picked up his eighth win of the season tossing seven scoreless innings allowing only seven hits, two walks and struck out seven. He tossed 101 pitches and lowered his ERA to 1.97 on the season.
The Bulldogs go for the series win and their 12th MW win in their last 14 conference games on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. The 'Dogs will send Jimmy Lambert (9-0, 2.30) to the mound against Kenny Oakley (4-6, 3.95).
Notes
- Arruda's 10 home runs are the most in a single season since Aaron Judge hit 12 in 2013.
- Stone now has a team-high 24 extra-base hits on the season with Arruda right behind him with 23.
- Thomas has now tossed at least seven innings nine times this season and has also struck out at least seven nine times.
- Reece saw his scoreless streak of 7.1 innings come to an end allowing a run in the ninth inning.
- Of the nine Bulldogs who got at least two at-bats, eight of them got either a hit, RBI or scored a run.
Mountain West Friday Scoreboard
at New Mexico 5, Nevada 4
at San Diego State 4, Air Force 2
at Long Beach State 6, San Jose State 2
Air Force 11, at San Diego State 7 - resumption of March 20 game
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