Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, February 24
Fresno, CA
2:05 PM
Fresno State
5-2
7
vs
6
Houston Baptist
3-3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Houston Baptist
0
2
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
6
13
0
Fresno State
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
2
X
7
14
0
Photo by: Kiel Maddox
Diamond 'Dogs sweep doubleheader over HBU winning a pair of one-run games
2/24/2018 9:15:00 PM | Baseball
Fresno State junior right-handed pitcher Edgar Gonzalez fanned a career-high 17 batters in the 'Dogs 3-2 win over Houston Baptist on Saturday night helping the Bulldogs complete a doubleheader sweep over the Huskies.
FRESNO, Calif. - The Bulldog baseball team got back on the winning track on Saturday at Bob Bennett Stadium winning a pair of one-run contests over visiting Houston Baptist. The 'Dogs rallied late in game one for a 7-6 win before fending off a late rally by the Huskies in game two to win 3-2.
Fresno State (6-2) was led offensively on the day by sophomore catcher Carter Bins who finished with four hits in the two games, including matching his career high with three hits in game one and added a crucial home run in game two. Redshirt freshman third baseman JT Arruda also collected hits in each game tallying a single, double, RBI and run in game one and another double in game two.
The Bulldogs finished with 20 hits as a team from 11 different individuals in the two games going for 14 in game one followed by six in game two. Houston Baptist (3-4) countered with 18 hits in the two games also from 11 different players nearly matching the 'Dogs with 13 hits in game one and picked up five in the nightcap.
On the mound, both teams used three pitchers in each game, but the star on the day pitching-wise went to Fresno State right-handed pitcher Edgar Gonzalez. The junior had a sensational night in game two pitching a career-high eight shutout innings allowing three hits, all singles, and struck out a career-best 17. The 17 strikeouts were only four shy of matching the program record set by future major leaguer Jeff Weaver in 1997 when he recorded 21 in a 2-1 win over Texas A&M on May 22.
"Edgar was absolutely sensational tonight," said head coach Mike Batesole. "He was making life extremely difficult on the opponent and kept them guessing."
How It Happened Game 1
After it took more than 10 innings for either team to score a run in the series opener on Friday night, the Huskies wasted little time getting on the scoreboard in the first game of the day scoring a pair of runs in the second off three straight base hits and added another run in the third to take a quick 3-0 lead.
The Bulldogs responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth as redshirt junior outfielder McCarthy Tatum led off with a single through the left side which was followed by a double to left-center by Arruda getting the 'Dogs on the board for the first time in the series. Freshman Zach Presno, making his second start of the season behind the plate, followed with his first career home run, a two-run shot to left-center, to tie the game at 3-3.
HBU answered back with a run in the top of the fifth on a leadoff solo home run by center fielder Spencer Halloran, but the Bulldogs responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to re-gain a 5-4 lead. The 'Dogs got an RBI single by Bins followed by an RBI double to left field by Tatum.
The Huskies again responded with a pair of solo home runs in the top of the eighth to take a 6-5 lead, but the 'Dogs answered right back scoring two runs in the bottom of the frame to take a 7-6 lead. Facing HBU's closer, JT Newton, the Bulldogs were able to get to the junior as true freshman right fielder Nate Thimjon recorded his first career hit drilling a triple over the center fielder's head driving in Nick Warren for the game-tying run. Zach Ashford followed two batters later with a single up the middle driving in Thimjon for the eventual game-winning run.
Freshman left-hander Nikoh Mitchell, who tossed three scoreless innings in a start on Wednesday at UC Santa Barbara, recorded his first career win pitching the final four innings allowing four hits, two runs, and struck out a season-high five.Â
How It Happened Game 2
A vastly different game ensued in the nightcap as both pitchers were locked in early as the teams only combined for four total hits through the first four innings. The 'Dogs were finally able to break through in the bottom of the fifth for their lone three runs of the game.
Facing HBU starter Marshall Herron, the 'Dogs used the long ball getting a solo home run from Jeremiah Burks, his first of the season and a two-run shot by Bins to take a 3-0 lead.
With Gonzalez keeping the Huskies guessing all game, the 'Dogs took a 3-0 lead into the top of the ninth as Gonzalez exited after eight innings and 17 strikeouts while throwing 108 pitches. Left in the hands of the bullpen, Houston Baptist took advantage scoring a run on a single through the right side by first baseman Jake Pulcheon and added a second run on a sacrifice fly by catcher Erik Voller.
With the potential game-tying run only 90 feet away, Bulldog reliever JJ Santa Cruz was able to escape the jam as a ball got away from Bins, but Santa Cruz was able to cover home tagging Anthony Jones for the game's final out.
Gonzalez recorded his second win of the season lowering his ERA to 0.56 and leads the Mountain West with 26 strikeouts. Santa Cruz notched his first save of the season and third of his career.
Notes
- The 'Dogs are now 5-0 in one-run games this season matching the total number of wins the team had all of 2017.
- The 'Dogs did not record their sixth win of the season last year or sixth win at home until March 5.
- It was Burks third career home run while it was Bins' eighth.
- Tatum matched his career-high with three hits in game one adding an RBI and run.
- Ashford, who did not play in the second game, tallied two hits in the first game as he now has 14 on the season and has a hit in all seven games he has played in this season.
Up next
The 'Dogs and Huskies wrap up their four-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. as Kids Weekend concludes with all with kids getting in free to the game with a paid adult and all kids get to run the bases after the game. It is also Salute to Sunday as all veterans and active military get into the game for free as well.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:Â
Twitter:Â @Fresno StateBSB
Instagram:Â fresnostatebsb
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Fresno State (6-2) was led offensively on the day by sophomore catcher Carter Bins who finished with four hits in the two games, including matching his career high with three hits in game one and added a crucial home run in game two. Redshirt freshman third baseman JT Arruda also collected hits in each game tallying a single, double, RBI and run in game one and another double in game two.
The Bulldogs finished with 20 hits as a team from 11 different individuals in the two games going for 14 in game one followed by six in game two. Houston Baptist (3-4) countered with 18 hits in the two games also from 11 different players nearly matching the 'Dogs with 13 hits in game one and picked up five in the nightcap.
On the mound, both teams used three pitchers in each game, but the star on the day pitching-wise went to Fresno State right-handed pitcher Edgar Gonzalez. The junior had a sensational night in game two pitching a career-high eight shutout innings allowing three hits, all singles, and struck out a career-best 17. The 17 strikeouts were only four shy of matching the program record set by future major leaguer Jeff Weaver in 1997 when he recorded 21 in a 2-1 win over Texas A&M on May 22.
"Edgar was absolutely sensational tonight," said head coach Mike Batesole. "He was making life extremely difficult on the opponent and kept them guessing."
How It Happened Game 1
After it took more than 10 innings for either team to score a run in the series opener on Friday night, the Huskies wasted little time getting on the scoreboard in the first game of the day scoring a pair of runs in the second off three straight base hits and added another run in the third to take a quick 3-0 lead.
The Bulldogs responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth as redshirt junior outfielder McCarthy Tatum led off with a single through the left side which was followed by a double to left-center by Arruda getting the 'Dogs on the board for the first time in the series. Freshman Zach Presno, making his second start of the season behind the plate, followed with his first career home run, a two-run shot to left-center, to tie the game at 3-3.
HBU answered back with a run in the top of the fifth on a leadoff solo home run by center fielder Spencer Halloran, but the Bulldogs responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to re-gain a 5-4 lead. The 'Dogs got an RBI single by Bins followed by an RBI double to left field by Tatum.
The Huskies again responded with a pair of solo home runs in the top of the eighth to take a 6-5 lead, but the 'Dogs answered right back scoring two runs in the bottom of the frame to take a 7-6 lead. Facing HBU's closer, JT Newton, the Bulldogs were able to get to the junior as true freshman right fielder Nate Thimjon recorded his first career hit drilling a triple over the center fielder's head driving in Nick Warren for the game-tying run. Zach Ashford followed two batters later with a single up the middle driving in Thimjon for the eventual game-winning run.
Freshman left-hander Nikoh Mitchell, who tossed three scoreless innings in a start on Wednesday at UC Santa Barbara, recorded his first career win pitching the final four innings allowing four hits, two runs, and struck out a season-high five.Â
How It Happened Game 2
A vastly different game ensued in the nightcap as both pitchers were locked in early as the teams only combined for four total hits through the first four innings. The 'Dogs were finally able to break through in the bottom of the fifth for their lone three runs of the game.
Facing HBU starter Marshall Herron, the 'Dogs used the long ball getting a solo home run from Jeremiah Burks, his first of the season and a two-run shot by Bins to take a 3-0 lead.
With Gonzalez keeping the Huskies guessing all game, the 'Dogs took a 3-0 lead into the top of the ninth as Gonzalez exited after eight innings and 17 strikeouts while throwing 108 pitches. Left in the hands of the bullpen, Houston Baptist took advantage scoring a run on a single through the right side by first baseman Jake Pulcheon and added a second run on a sacrifice fly by catcher Erik Voller.
With the potential game-tying run only 90 feet away, Bulldog reliever JJ Santa Cruz was able to escape the jam as a ball got away from Bins, but Santa Cruz was able to cover home tagging Anthony Jones for the game's final out.
Gonzalez recorded his second win of the season lowering his ERA to 0.56 and leads the Mountain West with 26 strikeouts. Santa Cruz notched his first save of the season and third of his career.
Notes
- The 'Dogs are now 5-0 in one-run games this season matching the total number of wins the team had all of 2017.
- The 'Dogs did not record their sixth win of the season last year or sixth win at home until March 5.
- It was Burks third career home run while it was Bins' eighth.
- Tatum matched his career-high with three hits in game one adding an RBI and run.
- Ashford, who did not play in the second game, tallied two hits in the first game as he now has 14 on the season and has a hit in all seven games he has played in this season.
Up next
The 'Dogs and Huskies wrap up their four-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. as Kids Weekend concludes with all with kids getting in free to the game with a paid adult and all kids get to run the bases after the game. It is also Salute to Sunday as all veterans and active military get into the game for free as well.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Follow us on:Â
Twitter:Â @Fresno StateBSB
Instagram:Â fresnostatebsb
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Mitchell, Nikoh (1-0)
L: Newton, JT (0-1)
Batting:
2B: Halloran, Spencer 1 ; Depreta-Johnson, T. 1 ; Jones, Carey 1
HR: Halloran, Spencer 1 ; Depreta-Johnson, T. 1 ; Batten, Brady 1
RBI: Halloran, Spencer 1 ; Pulcheon, Jake 1 ; Depreta-Johnson, T. 1 ; Jones, Carey 1 ; Buck, Grant 1 ; Batten, Brady 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Halloran, Spencer 2 ; Depreta-Johnson, T. 2 ; Jones, Carey 1 ; Batten, Brady 1
SB: Reilly, Derek 1 ; Heck, Matt 1
CS: Jones, Anthony 1
Batting:
2B: Ashford, Zach 1 ; Tatum, McCarthy 1 ; Arruda, JT 1
3B: Thimjon, Nate 1
HR: Presno, Zach 1
RBI: Ashford, Zach 1 ; Bins, Carter 1 ; Tatum, McCarthy 1 ; Arruda, JT 1 ; Presno, Zach 2 ; Thimjon, Nate 1
SH: Batesole, Korby 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Ashford, Zach 1 ; Bins, Carter 1 ; Tatum, McCarthy 1 ; Arruda, JT 1 ; Presno, Zach 1 ; Warren, Nick 1 ; Thimjon, Nate 1
SB: Burks, Jeremiah 1
HBP: Ashford, Zach 1 ; Burks, Jeremiah 1
Game Leaders
Hitting
AB
4
R
1
H
3
RBI
1
AB
4
R
1
H
2
RBI
1
AB
4
R
0
H
2
RBI
0
Players Mentioned
Outfield
/ Baseball
Catcher
/ Baseball
Infield
/ Baseball
Pitcher
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
Catcher
/ Baseball
Pitcher
/ BaseballOutfield
/ Baseball
Outfield
/ Baseball
Infield
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