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(June 23, 2003) - The UC
Riverside baseball program has announced the signings of left
handed pitcher Marc Rzepczynski of Yorba Linda, CA, catcher
Jeffrey Dunbar of Chino Hills, CA and pitcher Daniel Stange
of Wildomar, CA to National Letters of Intent.
Rzepczynski (pronounced
Zep-chin-ski) graduated from Servite High School and will
enter UCR as a freshman in the fall. He posted a 7-3 mark
as a senior and was named O.C. Golden West League pitcher
of the Year. "Marc fills a hole we had on last year's
club, a quality left hander," Head Coach Jack Smitheran
said. "He has competed at the highest level in high school
and we expect him to make a quick transition to a quality
college pitcher. With this addition to Chad Decker, Jose Shaw
and Rylan Hanks, we will be much better from the left side
of the mound.
Dunbar graduated from Ayala
High School and will enter UCR as a freshman in the fall.
Dunbar was selected to the All-Sierra League team. "Jeff
has a great upside to his ability that will allow him to compete
for a starting position in '04," Smitheran said. "He
is a big, strong kid who should catch a lot of games for us
before he leaves UCR."
Stange graduated from Elsinore
High School and will enter UCR as a freshman in the fall.
He was a first-team all-Sunbelt league selection in 2003.
"Daniel is a quick learner and could compete for a starting
role next year," said Smitheran. "He is a power
pitcher, which is something that we need."
(July 2, 2003) - Four members
of the UC Riverside baseball team, Randy Blood, Ryan Harvey,
Brian Wahlbrink, and Jaymie Torres, were named Second Team
All-West Region, the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings
announced Wednesday.
Blood, who was the 167th
player selected overall in the MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies,
finished the season with a batting average of .368, with 17
doubles, 44 R, and 51 RBI.
Harvey, who was taken in
the 19th round by the New York Mets in the MLB draft, finished
the season with a team leading batting average of .411, with
12 doubles, 9 HR, 65 R, and 40 RBI.
Wahlbrink, who was a First-Team
All-Big West honoree, finished the season with a batting average
of .368, a team leading 19 doubles, 12 HR, 68 R, and 41 RBI.
Torres, who was also a
First Team All-Big West honoree, finished the season with
a record of 10-2, a team leading ERA of 3.59, with 74 BB,
74 K in 110.1 innings of work.
(Oct. 1, 2003) -- Looking
to maintain the momentum of one of the most successful seasons
in UC Riverside history, the Highlanders welcomed nine freshman
and two four-year college transfers to the team this year
in one of the top recruiting classes in Southern California
as named by BaseballResource.com.
“We really believe
we have an outstanding recruiting class this year,”
said head coach Jack Smitheran. “We had some big holes
to fill and we have a number of freshman who can come in and
make an immediate impact with the team. Not only will these
guys help us now, but will be contributing three or four years
down the road.”
Adding depth to the starting
rotational and bullpen are the addition of four freshman pitchers.
Right-hander Daniel Stange (Elsinore HS) was drafted in the
33rd round by the Atlanta Braves, but opted to join UCR this
fall. Southpaw Marc Rzepczynski (Servite HS) earned first
team All-CIF honors last season. Lefty Dan Runzler (Chaminade
HS) and right-hander Taylor Bills (Paloma Valley HS) round
out this year’s incoming pitchers.
Freshmen infielders Louie
Hernandez (Mater Dei HS) and Kyle Barratt (Crescenta Valley
HS) will help shore of the middle of the infield. Hernandez
earned second team All-CIF honors and was named the team’s
“Offensive Player of the Year” brings a strong
defensive approach and the ability to create plenty of offense
with his bat. Barratt, a four-time letterman, earned all-league
and all-area honors in 2003.
Behind the plate, the Highlanders
have two transfers, Jeff Abney a sophomore from UCLA and redshirt
freshman Mike Paluzzi from San Diego State, plus incoming
freshman Jeff Dunbar challenging for a starting job. Abney
spent two years with the Bruins, making 21 appearances last
season. He led his high school team to two state championships
and earned the Oregon Class 4A player of the year honors in
2001. Paluzzi, a graduate of Fontana High School, returns
to the area after sitting out last season with the Aztecs.
Freshmen Brett Bigler (Santa
Ana HS) and Aaron Seuss (Palm Desert HS) will challenge for
a starting outfield position. Bigler, a three-time letter
winner, won all-league and All-CIF honors in while setting
school records in runs scored and stolen bases in 2002. Seuss,
whose older brother Adam played four successful seasons at
UCR before graduating in 2002, earned first team All-CIF honors
this year.
The Highlanders open the
season hosting Santa Clara in a three-game series starting
on January 30, 2004, at the UC Riverside Sports Complex.
Name
Pos.
B/T Ht. Wt. Exp. Hometown/Last
School
Jeff Abney C R/R
6-1 200 SO-TR Lake Oswego,
OR/UCLA
Kyle Barratt INF R/R 6-4
197 FR-HS La Crescenta, CA/Crescenta
Valley HS
Brett Bigler OF L/L 6-3
170 FR-HS Santa Ana, CA/Foothill
HS
Taylor Bills RHP R/R
6-4 210 FR-HS Menifee, CA/Paloma
Valley HS
Jeff Dunbar C R/R
6-4 185 FR-HS Chino Hills,
CA/Ayala HS
Louie Hernandez INF L/R 5-7 160
FR-HS Yorba Linda, CA/Mater Dei HS
Mike Paluzzi C R/R
5-10 175 FR-RS Fontana, CA/San Diego
State
Dan Runzler LHP L/L
6-4 215 FR-HS Simi Valley,
CA/Chaminade HS
Marc Rzepczynski LHP L/L 6-2 180 FR-HS
Yorba Linda, CA/Servite HS
Aaron Seuss OF R/R
6-0 175 FR-HS La Quinta,
CA/Palm Desert HS
Daniel Stange RHP R/R 6-1
180 FR-HS Wildomar, CA/Elsinore
HS
(Oct. 1, 2003) --The UC
Riverside baseball team announced six recruits who signed
National Letters of Intent to attend the university beginning
in fall 2004. This year’s recruiting class includes
three local prospects and three from the San Diego and Orange
County areas.
“This is one of our
better recruiting classes. We were able to address some immediate
needs as well as take care of some long term needs,”
said UCR head coach Jack Smitheran. “We are happy being
able to sign some local players and keep their talent in the
area as well as being able to branch out into Orange County
and San Diego and pull some better players from there.”
The three local players
include Aaron Wible of Riverside Poly, Levi Garrett of Martin
Luther King High School in Riverside and Donald Simmons of
Norco High School. The Highlanders also tapped Orange County,
signing Andrew Bovich of San Clemente High School and Ryan
McKibben of Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo. Rounding
out the class is Andrew Garcia of Vahalla High School in El
Cajon.
“There are athletes
from this class that can compete for a starting job immediately,”
added Smitheran. “It is something we have been working
towards when we recruit and this class will have an immediate
impact on the team and help us out down the road.”
Wible, a 6’2’
third baseman with the Bears, was an all-league selection
the past three seasons as well as second team All-County and
All-CIF and named to the North Orange County Tournament team
in 2003. Another local player, 6’4” first baseman
Garrett was named first team All-Sunkist League as a sophomore
and junior with the Wolves. Simmons, a right-handed pitcher,
was an all-league pick last season and was named the team’s
best pitcher and MVP.
The Highlanders were able
to sign a pair of pitchers from Orange County with righty
McKibben and lefty Bovich. McKibben and the Wolverines made
it to the second round of the CIF playoffs in 2002. Bovich
led the league in strikeouts last season including a 15-strikeout
performance and was a second team all-league pick as a sophomore
and junior.
San Diego County’s
Garcia, the grandson of former California Angels and Cleveland
Indians manager Dave Garcia, is the shortstop for the defending
league champion Norseman, who earned first team all-league
and second team All-CIF selection last season.
The Highlanders begin the
2004 campaign at home against Santa Clara for a three-game
series on Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Riverside Sports Complex.
Name
Pos.
B/T Ht. Wt. Exp. Hometown/Last
School
Andrew Bovich LHP L/L
6-2 175 FR-HS San Clemente,
CA/San Clemente HS
Andrew Garcia SS S/R
6-0 175 FR-HS El
Cajon, CA/Vahalla HS
Levi Garrett 1B R/L 6-4
220 FR-HS Riverside, CA/Riverside
HS
Ryan McKibben RHP R/R
6-1 190 FR-HS Aliso Viejo, CA/Aliso
Niguel HS
Donald Simmons RHP R/R 6-3
183 FR-HS Norco, CA/Norco HS
Aaron Wible 3B R/R
6-2 200 FR-HS Riverside, CA/Riverside
Poly HS
(Dec.
19, 2003) - Coming off one
of the most successful seasons in school history, the UC Riverside
baseball team was rewarded being ranked No. 34 in the country
in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's preseason poll.
"It is a nice compliment
for our team, but what really matters is where we are at the
end of the year," notes UCR Head Coach Jack Smitheran.
"We will use this to show our team we have a reputation
to live up to and things won't be easy."
The Highlanders finished
the 2003 campaign with a 41-17 record and their first postseason
appearance since transitioning to NCAA Division I after the
2001 season, finishing 1-2 in the Stanford Regional of the
NCAA Championship Tournament.
UCR returns a strong core
of veteran players from last year's team including first-team
All-Gig West selections first baseman Kevin Mangels, third
baseman Tony Festa and right-handed pitcher Jayme Torres.
The Highlanders open the
season hosting Santa Clara in a three-game series starting
on January 30, 2004, at the UC Riverside Sports Complex.
Collegiate
Baseball Newspaper's NCAA Div. I Pre-Season Poll
(As of Dec. 19, 2003)
Rank School ('03 Final Record) Points Final/'03 Rank
1. Rice (58-12) 495/1
Miami, Fla. (45-17-1) 495/5
3. Louisiana St. (45-22-1) 491/7
4. Georgia Tech. (44-18) 489/14
5. Texas (50-20) 486/4
6. Stanford (51-18) 484/2
7. Arizona St. (54-14) 481/10
8. Cal. St. Fullerton (50-16) 477/3
9. Wichita St. (49-27) 475/NR
10. Notre Dame (45-18) 470/28
11. Baylor (45-23) 468/13
12. Long Beach St. (41-20) 464/11
13. Tulane (44-19) 462/NR
14. South Carolina (45-22) 458/6
15. Florida (37-21-1) 457/NR
16. Southern California (28-28) 456/NR
17. Clemson (39-22) 450/NR
18. Auburn (42-21) 449/20
19. Florida Atlantic (47-16) 446/23
20. Nebraska (47-18) 445/15
21. North Carolina (42-23) 443/19
22. Arizona (35-23) 441/NR
23. Washington (42-18) 438/27
24. Florida St. (54-13-1) 437/9
25. Minnesota (40-22) 432/NR
26. Nevada-Las Vegas (47-17) 430/26
27. Mississippi (35-27) 424/NR
28. Winthrop (35-22) 416/NR
29. North Carolina St. (45-18) 411/12
30. Mississippi St. (42-20-1) 408/24
31. Ohio St. (44-21) 406/18
32. Texas A&M (45-19) 403/17
33. Oklahoma St. (34-24) 398/NR
34. U.C. Riverside (41-17) 395/30
35. Alabama (28-24) 392/NR
36. Va. Commonwealth (46-13) 390/NR
37. Southern Miss. (47-16) 386/25
38. Tennessee (31-24) 380/NR
39. San Diego (32-30) 378/NR
40. Stetson (41-24) 375/NR
(Riverside, CA) The UC
Riverside Highlanders scored two runs in the seventh and two
in the eighth to pull out a come from behind win over the
UCR Alumni, 6-3, Saturday at the Riverside Sports Complex.
It was the 24th annual Alumni game held at UCR.
The Alumni team scored in the top of the first when Ryan Harvey
led off with a single and Randy Blood doubled him home. In
the bottom half of the first, Aaron Grant, who led off with
a single, scored on a sacrifice fly by Jason Collette to tie
the score.
The Highlanders took the lead briefly in the fifth when Kevin
Mangels flied to left, scoring Scott Powis. But in the top
half of the sixth, Darren Doskocil hit a two run triple off
Matt Thiessen, making the score 3-2.
Highlander shortstop Kyle Barratt had an RBI triple and scored
the game-winning run in the seventh. Freshman Aaron Suess
and Barratt hit RBI singles in the eighth to pad the Highlanders’
lead. Barratt went 2 for 2 on the day.
Score By Inning
Alumni 100 002 000 – 3 8 1
UCR 100 010 22x – 6 13 2
HR-none
BOX
SCORE
(January 30, 2004) The UC
Riverside baseball team held a 2-1 lead going into the seventh
before its bullpen gave up the tying and winning runs Friday
at the Riverside Sports Complex, losing to the Broncos, 6-2,
in the season opener.
Highlanders’ (0-1) starting pitcher A.J. Shappi pitched
six strong innings, allowing one run on six hits. Though his
only run support came in the bottom of the fifth when Nick
Salotti hit a two-run homer with one out off Broncos’
(1-0) starter Chad Fill. Salotti had two of the Highlanders’
three hits on the day.
But UCR’s relief pitching was highly ineffective. Pitcher
Haley Winter gave up the tying run in the seventh. In the
eighth, Kevan Kelley allowed a one out single, before being
replaced by right-hander Daniel Stange, who gave up a single
and the go-ahead double to Dustin Realini.
Santa Clara’s relief pitcher Anthony Rea picked up his
first win of the season, while fellow teammate Kellan McConnell
earned the save. Kelley was charge with the loss.
The Broncos out hit UCR 10-3, with Will Thompson going 3-for-5
with two RBI and Nic Crosta and Realini picking up a pair
of hits.
The three game series continues Saturday at the Riverside
Sports Complex at 1:00 pm.
Score
By Inning
SCU 000 010 122 – 6 10 2
UCR 000 020 000 – 2 3 0
W-Rea (1-0), L-Kelley (0-1), S-McConnell (1)
HR-Salotti (1), W. Thompson (1)
BOX
SCORE
(January 31, 2004) The UCR
baseball team scored at least one run in each of its first
six innings, defeating Santa Clara, 13-8, and evened the series
at one game apiece on Saturday at the Riverside Sports Complex.
The Highlanders’ (1-1) big inning came in the fifth,
when they scored six runs of Bronco (1-1) reliever John Redmond.
Brian Steinmeyer, who had three hits on the day, had an RBI
single in the inning and later scored on single up the middle
by Brett Bigler. UCR brought 10 batters to the plate in the
onslaught, widening their lead to 10-2.
Santa Clara staged a comeback, starting in the sixth with
Eric Newton’s two-run homerun off UCR’s starter
John Martinez. Martinez also gave up a two-run shot to Dustin
Realini in the second. The Highlanders’ bullpen gave
up two runs in the seventh, and then again in the eighth,
making the score 11-8 before Brian Hoff came in to shut the
Broncos down for good.
Highlanders’ catcher Jeff Abney had four walks, while
Tony Festa had three hits in five at-bats on the day, his
biggest a two-run single up the middle in the fifth. Aaron
Grant led off the game with a homerun. The Highlanders had
14 hits on the day.
Martinez got the win, pitching six strong innings and walking
only one batter. Santa Clara’s starting pitcher Andrew
Slorp took the loss after only pitching three innings. Hoff
picked up the save.
The three game series concludes Sunday at the Riverside Sports
Complex at 12:00 pm.
Score
By Inning
SCU 020 002 220 – 8 9 1
UCR 111 161 02x – 13 14 3
W-Martinez (1-0), L-Slorp (0-1), S-Hoff (1)
HR-Grant (1), Realini (1), Newton (1)
BOX
SCORE
(February 1, 2004) The UC
Riverside baseball team lost the series finale to Santa Clara,
12-6, Sunday at the Riverside Sports Complex. The win gives
Santa Clara the 2-1 edge in both teams’ season opening
series.
The Highlanders (1-2) got roughed up right away, allowing
four runs in each of the first two innings giving the Broncos
(2-1) an 8-0 lead after two full frames. Nic Crosta provided
the big blow in the first inning with an opposite field three-run
home run.
Three triples highlighted the Bronco half of the second inning
as Nathan Faulkner, Will Thompson and Crosta each belted three-baggers.
Thompson's hit scored two while Faulkner and Crosta's each
brought home a run apiece.
Santa Clara added another run in the third as Eric Newton
led off the inning with a single up the middle before advancing
to second on a sacrifice bunt by Matt McColgan. Michael Lange
brought Newton home for a 9-0 lead with his single down the
left field line.
UCR got on the board in the bottom half of the third after
Aaron Grant reached on a one-out error by Crosta and moved
to third on a wild pitch by Santa Clara starter Jared Hughes.
Grant came home on the next at bat as Scott Powis singled
up the middle, cutting the SCU lead down to 9-1.
The Broncos continued their hot hitting in the fourth inning
as Will Thompson singled through the right side with two outs
and advanced to second on a balk. He came home on the next
batter as Crosta picked up his third hit and fifth RBI of
the day with a single through the right side, giving SCU a
10-1 lead.
The Highlanders scored their second run in the bottom of the
fifth inning as Brett Bigler singled to left center and then
scored on three consecutive wild pitches from Hughes. Matt
Cunningham cut the SCU lead down to 10-3 with a single through
the right side, scoring Powis who reached two batters earlier
on a walk.
Scott Lonergan came on in relief for Hughes with two outs
in the fifth inning and promptly quelled the UCR rally by
getting Jason Collette to line out to second base for the
third out.
Santa Clara got back the two runs they gave up in the fifth
with a Will Thompson two-run home run in the top of the sixth.
His big fly knocked in Michael Thompson, who reached one batter
earlier when he was hit by a pitch, giving SCU a 12-3 lead.
UC Riverside scored three runs, only two of which were earned,
on no hits in the eighth inning as two batters were hit by
a pitch to go along with two walks and a error in right field
allowed the Bronco lead to be cut down to 12-6 entering the
ninth inning.
UCR’s next game is at UCLA on Tuesday at 3:00 pm. The
next home game is against BYU on Thursday, February 12 at
the Riverside Sports Complex. First pitch is at 3:00 pm.
Score
By Inning
SCU 441 102 000 – 12 15 2
UCR 001 020 030 – 6 7 2
W-Lonergan (1-0), L-Rzepczynski (0-1)
HR-W. Thompson (1), Crosta (1)
BOX
SCORE
(Feb. 3, 2004) -- UCLA
scored three runs in the third inning to hold on to a 4-1
victory over the Highlanders in a non-conference baseball
match up at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
The Bruins (1-0) opened
the third with a walk, a single and a walk all off starter
Chad Decker, forcing the Highlanders (1-3) to go to the bullpen.
UCLA managed back-to-back
RBI-singles from Thayer and Brandon Averill and a sacrifice
fly by Brett McMillan to add three more runs and a 4-0 lead
before reliever Jose Shaw could retire the side.
UCLA got on the board first
when Matt Thayer opened the second inning, driving a 1-0 pitch
over the left-center fence to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.
The Highlanders could not
get through starter Casey Janssen, who allowed only two hits
in four shutout innings and striking out nine batters.
Shaw would settle in, allowing
four hits in four shutout innings of work and striking out
five batters. Three other UCR pitchers, Haley Winter, Kevan
Kelley and Taylor Bills, combined for just one hit in two
innings of work.
Tony Festa crushed a ball
over the right-field fence to start the ninth inning and cut
the UCLA lead to 4-1, but the Highlanders were unable to add
any more runs in the game.
Hector Ambriz (1-0) earned
the win for the Bruins after pitching the final five innings
for UCLA, allowing one run on three hits and striking out
four. Decker (0-1) was charged with the loss.
UCR's Aaron Grant and Festa
each had a pair of hits for the Highlanders. Thayer led the
way for UCLA, going 3-for-3 with a run and two RBI. Averill
had a pair of hits and one RBI.
The Highlanders travel to
Arizona to face the Wildcats for a three-game series beginning
on Friday, February 6. UCR returns home to host Brigham Young
in a three-game series starting on February 12 at 3:00 p.m.
at the Riverside Sports Complex.
Score By Inning
UCR 000 000
001 - 1 5 1
UCLA 012 000 00x - 4 9 1
BOX
SCORE
Moises Duran hit a solo
home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give No. 16 Arizona
the 6-5 win over the UC Riverside baseball team at Kindall
Field Friday afternoon.
The Highlanders (1-4) had a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning,
until the Wildcats’ (1-0) Pat Reilly scored Jason Donald
on a single to knot the game and send it to extra innings.
With two outs in the 11th, Duran hit the lone home run of
the game off UCR’s Jose Shaw.
The Highlanders got on the board in the first, when Aaron
Grant tripled down the right field line and was brought home
on a groundout by Tony Festa.
UCR added two more in the third when Scott Powis scored on
a groundout and Tony Festa singled in Brett Bigler.
The Wildcats answered with a three-run third to knot the game,
3-3. Bill Rhinehart led off with a single and advanced to
second on a passed ball and scored on a single from Donald.
John Hardy tripled to bring home Donald and then scored on
a groundout.
Arizona took its first lead of the game when Trevor Crowe,
who led off the frame with a double, scored on Donald’s
second single of the game.
A Wildcat fielding error in the sixth let Kevin Mangels reach
base, allowing Matt Cunningham to score to tie the game again,
4-4. The Highlanders would take the lead again, 5-4, in the
eighth when Jeff Abney singled in Jason Collette.
Jose Shaw (0-1) suffered the loss after pitching 2/3 inning
and the only hit he gave up was the homer to Duran. Mark Melancon
(1-0) was credited with the win.
For the second consecutive start, the Highlanders’ junior
starter A.J. Shappi was denied the win and remains without
a decision in two starts. Shappi pitched eight innings allowing
four runs (three earned) on nine hits, walking two and striking
out four.
Haley Winter allowed one run on two hits including the ninth
inning single to Pat Reily to force extra innings. Brian Hoff
pitched 1 2/3 hitless innings.
UCR’s Jeff Abney went 3-for-5 from the plate with an
RBI. Bigler, Cunningham and Collette each had a pair of hits.
Festa had two RBI and a hit.
Arizona’s Donald went 3-for-5 with two runs and two
RBI. Brad Boyer, Duran and Hardy each had two hits.
The Highlanders and Wildcats continue this three-game series
on Saturday, February 7 at 1:00 p.m.
BOX
SCORE
(Feb. 7, 2004) - The UC
Riverside baseball team fell, 9-8, to No. 16 Arizona for the
second straight day after the Wildcats posted a four-run seventh
inning to come from behind at Kindall Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Wildcats (2-0) scored all four runs in the seventh inning
with two outs. It was the second time in as m any games that
the Highlanders (1-5) surrendered late innings runs to Arizona.
Ahead 8-5 in the seventh, UCR surrendered a walk to UA’s
Moises Duran with two outs giving the Wildcats two baserunners
as Jeff Van Houten reached on a base on balls earlier in the
inning.
With two out and two on, the Wildcats made the first move
in a game of percentages against the Highlanders’ Head
Coach Jack Smitheran. Arizona freshman DJ Lewis was announced
as the pinch hitter for Bill Rhinehart. Coach Jack Smitheran
countered the substitution by pulling reliever Haley Winter
in favor of lefty Chad Decker, and Arizona responded with
another pinch hitter, Derek Decater.
Decater came up with a two-run triple down the right field
line to cut the Highlander lead to 8-7. With right-hander
Richard Mercado scheduled to bat after Decater's clutch hit,
Arizona played the odds again by sending lefty Jordan Brown
to the plate. The sophomore pinch hitter grounded Decker's
0-2 offering through the right side of the infield for a single
to plate Decater.
With the game tied at eight runs apiece, pinch runner Terrence
Taylor stole second and scored the go-ahead run on Pat Reilly's
game-winning single.
The Highlanders were unable to score against UA relievers
John Meloan and Derek Rodriguez in the final two innings.
Meloan (1-0) picked up the win, working two innings of hitless
relief, and Rodriguez earned his first save of the season
with 1 /13 innings of work. Riverside's Winter was tagged
with the loss, surrendering two runs on three hits without
recording an out.
UCR jumped out to the lead with three runs in the top of the
first, single runs in the fourth and fifth and three more
in the sixth. Arizona countered with a pair of runs on Jason
Donald's home run, a two-run shot, in the first, one in the
fifth and two in the sixth before finally taking the lead
in for good in the seventh.
UCR's Tony Festa went 3-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored.
Jason Collette, Jeff Abney and Nick Salotti each had a pair
of hits for the Highlanders.
For Arizona, Reilly went 3-for-4 with two RBI. Rhinehart and
Mercado each had two hits.
The Highlanders will try to avoid the series sweep in Sunday’s
1:00 p.m. series finale. The team plays at Loyola Marymount
on Tuesday and will host BYU for three games beginning on
Thursday, February 12 at 3:00 p.m.
BOX
SCORE
(Feb. 8, 2004) - The UC
Riverisde baseball team scored six runs in the final four
innings, the Highlanders could not rally past No. 16 Arizona
in Sunday's 10-7 loss in the series finale. Arizona swept
the Highlanders, 3-0, in the series.
The Highlanders (1-6) took
an early 1-0 lead, but fell behind after the Wildcats (3-0)
scored two runs in the second and then added six more runs
in the third. Leading off with five straight hits in the third,
the Wildcats sent 10 hitters to the plate and chased UCR's
starter Daniel Stange in the inning.
UCR added a pair of runs
in the sixth on a pair of RBI-singles from Jeff Abney and
Jason Collette and added two more in the seventh when Tony
Festa belted his second home run of the season, a two-run
shot, over the right field fence to cut the deficit to 8-5.
Arizona added two more insurance
runs in the eighth to lead 10-5, giving UCR three outs to
try and pull out an upset.
The Highlanders managed
a pair of two-out runs in the ninth on RBI-singles by Collette
and Nick Salotti, but that was all they could muster.
Luis Cortez (1-0) picked
up the win giving up just three runs on four hits in five
innings of work. Stange (0-1) was charged with the loss after
giving up seven runs on eight hits in just two innings.
Senior third baseman continued
with his hot bat posting his second consecutive three-hit
game going 3-for-5 with two RBI and three runs. Festa is hitting
.517 this season.
The Highlanders travel to
Loyola Marymount on Tuesday, February 10 and return home to
host BYU for a three-game set starting Thursday, February
12 at 3:00 p.m.
BOX
SCORE
(Feb. 10, 2004) –
The Highlanders scored once in the ninth, but the rally fell
short as the UC Riverside baseball team was unable to stage
a come back as host Loyola Marymount won, 5-4, at Page Stadium
Tuesday afternoon.
The Lions (1-0) took their season opener after scoring twice
on a Matt White double and a Jonathan Higashi walk with the
bases loaed in the bottom of the eighth to break a 3-3 tie.
The Highlanders (1-7) posted a small two-out rally in the
ninth, managing a run on Tony Festa’s third hit of the
afternoon, a single to left that scored Aaron Grant from second.
Both teams got on the board in the first with UCR’s
Nick Salotti singled scoring Matt Cunningham from third and
LMU’s Billy Lockin scored on a wild pitch.
LMU added two in the third to take a 3-1 lead. Joe Frazee
walked to open the inning, advanced to third on a Higashi
double and scored on a balk by UCR’s pitcher Chad Decker
that also advanced Higashi to third. Higashi scored the second
run of the innings on a groundout.
The Highlanders added runs in the sixth and eighth to knot
the game at 3-3. Scott Powis sacrificed Jason Collette for
the run in the sixth and Aaron Grant hit a solo homer to lead
off the eighth.
Taylor Bills (0-1) suffered the loss pitching in relief of
starter Decker. Bills pitched four shutout innings before
allowing the go-ahead run to score in the eighth and finished
with two earned runs on three hits in 5 2/3 innings of work.
Erik Reyes (1-0) earned the win, pitching two innings of relief
and allowing one hit and one run on Salotti’s home run.
Festa continued his 12-game hitting streak dating back to
last season with a 3-for-4 day at the plate. It is Festa’s
third consecutive three-hit game and fourth of the young season.
Cunningham and Salotti also had a pair of hits.
Highashi was the lone Lion with a multiple-hit game going
2-for-4.
The Highlanders host Brigham Young University in a three-game
set beginning on Thursday, February 12 at the UC Riverside
Sports Complex. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.
BOX
SCORE
(Feb. 12, 2004) - The UC
Riverside baseball team snapped a six game losing streak Thursday,
defeating Brigham Young, 8-1, in the series opener at the
Riverside Sports Complex. The Highlanders’ (2-7) starting
pitcher, A.J. Shappi pitched a complete game, holding the
Cougars (2-7) to one run and six hits.
The Highlanders' big inning came in the sixth. Ten batters
came to the plate, which resulted in seven runs on six hits,
all against Cougar starting pitcher Patrick Wells, who was
relieved by Joshua Barrett in the same inning. Salotti hit
an RBI-double and designated hitter Matt Lawson hit a one-out,
bases-loaded triple for his first hit of the season.
BYU jumped out on top early,
capitalizing on an error in their first at-bat. Designated
hitter Ranger Wiens reached third on an error. The Cougars’
next batter, Brandon Taylor, hit an RBI single. But Shappi
held BYU scoreless for the rest of the game.
UCR tied the score in the second inning on a solo homerun
by Nick Salotti, who now has three homeruns on the season.
Highlanders’ third baseman Tony Festa had a hit and
a walk, extending his hitting streak to thirteen games dating
back to last season. Festa is batting .528 on the year.
Shappi (1-0) earned the win and lowered his ERA to 1.57 in
three starts. Wells picked up the loss, going 5 1/3 innings,
giving up all eight runs on ten hits.
The series continues tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. at the Riverside
Sports Complex.
Score By Inning
BYU 100 000 000 – 1 6 0
UCR 010 007 000 – 8 11 1
W- Shappi (1-0), L-Wells (0-1)
HR- Salotti (3)
BOX
SCORE
(Feb. 13, 2004) - The UC
Riverside baseball team won its second game in a row for the
first time this season, defeating Brigham Young, 4-2, Friday
at the Riverside Sports Complex. For the second straight game
the Highlanders (3-7) came up big in pitching and hitting.
UC Riverside starting pitcher John Martinez (2-0) went 8 2/3
innings, allowing only two runs on ten hits to the Cougars
(2-8). Martinez lowered his ERA to 4.87 in three starts this
season. He was taken out for Brian Hoff in the top of the
ninth with two outs and a runner at first. Hoff retired the
next batter, earning his second save.
“Its always important to win. It seems to solve a lot
of problems just as losing exposes problems,” said Head
Coach Jack Smitheran on winning back-to-back games. “You
have to give BYU credit. They are tough and battle hard, they
never seem to quit.”
With the score knotted, 2-2, Matt Lawson hit a pinch hit two-run
single in the sixth, scoring Jason Collette and Tony Festa
to give UCR a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. Lawson has
five RBI against BYU.
BYU scored the first run of the game in the top of the third,
but UCR answered with a pair of runs in its half of the inning.
Designated Hitter Louie Hernandez got the Highlanders on the
board, with a one-out RBI-double in the third, scoring Aaron
Grant. Hernandez scored later that inning on a Matt Cunningham
single to left to take a 2-1 lead.
The Cougars knotted the game on Kevin Bills’ RBI-single,
but could only manage one base runner in the final three innings.
The Highlanders had 10-or-more hits in the past six games,
posting 11 hits in Friday’s contest while Festa had
two singles in four at-bats, extending his hitting streak
to 14 games dating back to last season.
The Cougars starter Justin Su’a (1-1) picked up the
loss. He gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings.
The three-game series ends Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverside
Sports Complex.
Score By Inning
BYU 001 001 000 – 2 10 0
UCR 002 002 000 – 4 11 1
W-J. Martinez (2-0), L-Su'a (1-1), Save-Hoff (2)
BOX
SCORE
(Feb. 14, 2004) - The UC
Riverside baseball team won its third game in a row, sweeping
Brigham Young, 6-4, Saturday at the Riverside Sports Complex.
It was the Highlanders’ (4-7) first series sweep of
the season as they inch closer to .500.
Once again, the Highlanders’ received strong starting
pitching. Haley Winter (1-1), who normally pitches out of
the bullpen, had seven strong innings. He allowed two earned
runs and seven hits in his first victory. Marc Rzepczynski
and Taylor Bills came in for the eighth and allowed only one
hit. Closer Brian Hoff came in for the save, pitching a scoreless
ninth.
With the Cougars (2-9) leading, 4-0, in the bottom of the
third, UCR rallied. Brett Bigler, who was four-for-five on
the day, hit a one out double, moving Matt Lawson to third.
Matt Cunningham grounded out to first as Lawson scored the
Highlanders’ first run. Tony Festa, who extended his
hitting streak to 15 games, singled Bigler home and later
scored on Jason Collette’s RBI single up the middle.
Nic Salotti scored later on an error by BYU’s shortstop,
tying the score, 4-4.
In the bottom of the fifth, Brian Steinmeyer hit the game
winning homerun with two outs and Festa on first.
BYU scored all four runs in the top of the second, but only
two were earned. Brigham Young’s centerfielder Ryan
Chambers hit a one out single, knocking in two runs. Chambers
also had a productive day in the outfield with six putouts.
The Highlanders had 12 hits on the game. In the past seven
games they have posted 77 hits.
The Cougars starter Paul Jacinto (0-4) picked up the loss.
He gave up six runs, five earned, in six innings.
The Highlanders’ next game is Tuesday against the USC
Trojans at the Riverside Sports Complex. First pitch is at
5:00 p.m. for this one game series.
Score By Inning
BYU 040 000 000 – 4 8 4
UCR 004 020 000 – 6 12 3
W- Winter (1-1), L- Jacinto (0-4), Save- Hoff (3)
(Feb.
16, 2004) - The UC Riverside baseball team announced an opening
day schedule change for the upcoming RBI Tournament held from
February 27-29 at the Riverside Sports Complex.
The Highlanders, originally scheduled to play in the second
game, will face Oregon State in the first game beginning at
3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27. Sacramento State and Washington
will meet in the second game beginning at 7:00 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday’s schedules will remain the same.
COMPLETE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
February 27 Oregon State vs.UCR 3:00
p.m.
February 27 Sacramento State vs. Washington 7:00
p.m.
February 28 Sacramento State vs. Oregon State 12:00 p.m.
February 28 Washington vs. UCR 4:00
p.m.
February 29 Washington vs. Oregon State 11:00
a.m.
February 29 UCR vs. Sacramento State 3:00
p.m.
BOX
SCORE
(Feb.
14, 2004) - After allowing eight unearned runs due to seven
errors, the UC Riverside baseball team benefited from a Southern
California error in the bottom of the ninth to pull out a
come-from-behind 10-9 victory at the Riverside Sports Complex
Tuesday night.
The No. 20 Trojans (1-3) led 9-7 with the Highlanders (5-7)
down to their final out of the game when sophomore shortstop
Brian Steinmeyer singled to right with the bases loaded, scoring
one run, but an error on a bobbled ball by the right fielder
allowed the tying and go-ahead runs to score.
Down by three runs at the beginning of the ninth, the Highlanders’
Aaron Grant and Matt Cunningham walked and Tony Festa hit
a long fly ball to right center caught on the warning track,
advancing Grant to third. Freshman Kyle Barratt singled in
Grant to cut USC’s lead to 9-7 and was replaced by pinch
runner Kevan Kelley. The next batter, Jason Collette, drew
the third walk of the inning for UCR to set the table for
Steinmeyer’s game-winning single.
The Highlanders committed a season-high seven errors in the
game, leading to eight of the Trojan runs. The errors accounted
for all but one USC run, a Jon Brewster sacrifice fly in the
fifth, scoring Hector Estrella from third.
USC’s big inning came in the seventh when Darin Vieira
reached base and advanced to second on an error with one out
in the frame. A balk would put Vieira on third and then scored
on a sacrifice fly that should have been the third out in
the inning. Then two walks, a stolen base, two singles, a
double and another UCR error allowed five more runs across
the plate before the final out was recorded to give the Trojans
a 9-3 lead,
UCR rallied in the seventh when three consecutive hits led
to three runs. Jason Collette opened the frame with a double
and later scored on Scott Powis’ single. Louie Hernandez
followed with a double and then Grant hit the team’s
third double of the inning to score two more runs, cutting
the lead to 9-6.
The teams combined for 27 hits in the game with 14 for UCR
and 13 for USC, with each team having four players with a
multiple-hit game.
USC’s Cyle Hankerd led all hitters going 3 for 4, scoring
one run and driving in two. Jon Brewster, Blake Sharpe and
Baron Frost all had a pair of hits for the Trojans. Brewster
also had a pair of RBI.
Collette, Steinmeyer and Brett Bigler each had a pair of hits
for UCR. Collette led the team with three runs scored and
Grant led with two RBI. Festa went 1 for 4, extending his
hitting streak to 16 games.
UCR’s Brian Hoff (1-0) earned his first victory of the
season after retiring the side successfully in the ninth.
The Highlanders used five pitchers with starter Matt Thiessen
lasting 4 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run on four hits,
walking two and striking out four.
The Trojans sent seven pitchers to the mound with their starter,
Josh Rummonds, going four innings allowing three runs on four
hits and striking out three. Matt Cassel (0-1) was charged
with the loss after allowing the winning run to reach base
in the ninth. He faced just two batters, allowing a hit and
walking one.
The Highlanders open a three-game series with San Diego this
weekend. The Toreros host Friday and Sunday’s game and
UCR host the Saturday game. Saturday’s game begins at
1:00 p.m. at the Riverside Sports Complex.
BOX
SCORE
(Feb.
20, 2004) - The University of San Diego scored a run in the
eighth inning to break a tie defeating the UC Riverside baseball
team, 7-6, at Cunningham Stadium in San Diego on Friday afternoon.
The Toreros (5-8) manufactured the run that started with Gavin
Ng reaching base on a bunt single. Ng advanced to second on
a sacrifice bunt, to third on a fielder’s choice and
then scored on a bunt-single to third for the go-ahead run.
Trailing 6-3 heading into the eighth, the Highlanders (5-8)
put three runs on the board to knot the game, 6-6. Matt Lawson
opened the inning with a double and two batters later, advanced
to second on Scott Powis’ infield single. Leadoff hitter
Brett Bigler then doubled to score Lawson. Matt Cunningham
singled up the middle to score Powis and Bigler for the final
UCR runs of the game.
UCR opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the third on
back-to-back singles from Nick Salotti and Jason Collette.
With runners on second and third, Salotti singled to center
to bring home Scott Powis. Collette drove the ball to left
bringing home Brett Bigler from third.
The Toreros answered with a run in their half of the inning
on a Freddy Sandoval single to cut the lead to 2-1.
USD took its first lead of the game, 3-2, with two runs in
the fifth. Randy Curtis opened the inning with a walk and
was brought home on Tom Caple’s triple. Jose Ortega
drove in the second run on a sacrifice fly.
Both trams added one run in the sixth with USD leading 4-3
until the Toreros added two in the seventh to take the 6-3
lead.
San Diego’s Aaron Wilson went five innings allowing
two runs (one earned) on six hits. Caple (1-2) moved from
center to the mound, pitching the final 1 1/3 innings earning
his first win of the season. Caple allowed just one hit, striking
out three.
UCR’s ace, A.J. Shappi had his worst outing of the young
season, allowing four runs on four hits, walking six and did
not notch a strikeout. Brian Hoff was charged with the loss,
allowing one run on two hits in an inning of work.
As a team, UCR posted 13 hits, extending a streak to nine
games with 10-or-more hits. The Highlanders could not take
advantage of their hitting, stranding 13 base runners compared
to USD stranding seven.
Salotti and Powis each had three hits for the Highlanders.
Salotti also drove in a run and Powis scored twice. Collette,
Cunningham and Bigler each had two hits. Senior third baseman
Tony Festa went 0-for-3 today ending his 16-game hitting streak.
Caple and Sandoval had the only multi-hit games for the Toreros.
Caple led the team with three runs scored and Sandoval led
with two RBIs.
The teams meet in Riverside at the Sports Complex for the
second game of the three-game series. First pitch is set for
1:00 p.m. The series concludes on Sunday in San Diego.
(Feb.
22, 2004) - Sunday's college baseball game between The University
of San Diego and UC Riverside, scheduled for a 1pm start in
San Diego, has been postponed due to rain. It marks the second
straight day the Toreros and Highlanders have been rained
out. No make-up dates has been officially set at this time.
USD won the series opener Friday afternoon by a score of 7-6.
Oregon
State vs. UC Riverside Box Score
(Feb.
27, 2004) -The UC Riverside baseball team lost its opening
game of the 2004 RBI Tournament to Oregon State, 16-3, Friday
at the Riverside Sports Complex. The Beavers (7-0) took advantage
of five errors by the Highlanders (6-9), who left 13 men on
base.
OSU scored four runs on the first inning off UCR starter A.J.
Shappi (1-1) and then scored six more in the fourth. Oregon
State's right fielder, Jacoby Ellsbury, was 3 for 5 on the
day with an RBI. Left fielder Mike Lissman had two hits and
three RBI.
The Highlanders were down 13-1 going into the bottom half
of the fifth, when Nick Salotti hit a one-out single, scoring
Matt Cunningham from third. Salotti was 2 for 4. Kevin mangles
had his first start in over two weeks, going 1 for 4 with
an RBI.
The Beavers' starting pitcher, Jake, Postlewait (3-0), picked
up the win giving up two runs on five innings of work.
The Highlanders' next game is Saturday at 4:00 p.m. against
the Washington Huskies, while Oregon State will play Sacramento
State at 12:00 p.m. Both games are at the Riverside Sports
Complex.
Sacramento
St. vs. Washington Box Score
(Feb.
27, 2004) - Husky freshman starter Richie Lentz struck out
eight over five innings as the 22nd-ranked Washington baseball
team extended its winning streak to six games with a 4-2 win
over Sacramento State Friday at the RBI Tournament.
Washington improved to 6-1 on the season while Sacramento
State dropped to 9-7.
Lentz, a right-hander from Woodinville, improved to 1-1 on
the season, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks
in his five innings of work. Fellow freshman Kyle Parker (Yakima/West
Valley HS) worked three no-hit innings, fanning five, and
All-America closer Will Fenton threw a perfect ninth inning
for his third save.
The UW handed Hornets ace Ethan Katz (3-1) his first loss
of the season. Katz allowed four runs (two earned) on seven
hits and two walks while striking out nine in six innings.
The Hornets needed only one hit to score two runs in the second
inning. Andy Hnilo walked, moved to second on a bunt and third
on a wild pitch before scoring on a balk. Buddy Morales, who
also walked, eventually scored on a Ronnie Machado groundout,
giving Sacramento State a 2-0 lead.
The Huskies got a run back in the bottom of the second and
took the lead in the third. Right fielder Ben Johnson belted
a two-out solo homer, his first of the year, to give Washington
its first lead, 3-2. The Huskies added their fourth run in
the fifth.
The Huskies take on UC Riverside Saturday in a 4:00 p.m. game
before closing out tournament at 11:00 a.m. Sunday vs. Oregon
State.
Sacramento
St. vs. Oregon State Box Score
(Feb.
28, 2004) -Oregon State's season-opening winning streak ended
at seven games Friday afternoon as the Beavers fell to Sacramento
State 10-3 on the second day of the Riverside Baseball Invitational
at Riverside Sports Complex. The start matched the eighth-best
ever for OSU (7-1) in the school's 95-year varsity baseball
history.
Against Sacramento State (10-7), the Beavers allowed at least
one run in each of the first five innings to fall behind 8-2.
Oregon State also committed four errors in the game, helping
the Hornets to five unearned runs.
After Sacramento State scored in the top of the first, OSU
evened the game 1-1 on Mike Lissman's home run to leftfield.
It gave the freshman outfielder homers on back-to-back days
for his first two career home runs.
Oregon State starter Andy Baldwin surrendered a walk and three
hits the next inning, though, as the Hornets took a 3-1 lead.
Sacramento State tacked on another run on two hits and a walk
in the third; OSU managed a run in the bottom of the inning
on Jacoby Ellsbury's double and Andy Jenkins' run-scoring
single, but the Hornets came back with two unearned runs in
the top of the fourth to push their lead to 6-2.
Baldwin had gone 6 2/3 innings in winning each of his first
two starts, but against Sacramento State the sophomore right
hander went four innings and gave up six runs (four earned)
on six hits and four walks while striking out two.
Trailing 8-2, the Beavers had a shot at getting back in the
ballgame in the bottom of the sixth inning. Mike Hass hit
his second double of the game with one out, then scored on
Chad Schroeder's two-out single down the right field line.
Aaron Mathews followed with another single to chase Hornet
right hander, Warren Rosebrock, and reliever Renecke Strelzriede's
two-ball, no-strike pitch to Mike Lissman was driven to the
wall in centerfield, but Sacramento State centerfielder Ronnie
Machado made a leaping catch to end the inning with the score
still 6-3.
Washington vs. UC Riverside Box Score
(Feb.
28, 2004) -The UC Riverside baseball team came back in the
bottom of the ninth against Washington to win, 9-8, at the
Riverside Sports Complex Saturday night. The Highlanders (7-9)
had two huge innings, negating two of Washington’s leads.
UCR first baseman Jason Collette walked against Huskies’
(6-2) closer Will Fenton to lead off the bottom of the ninth.
Brian Steinmeyer doubled to center, advancing Collette to
third. Pinch hitter Louie Hernandez singled to center, scoring
both Collette and Steinmeyer. After a Matt Lawson strike out,
Scott Powis was hit by a pitch, moving Hernandez into scoring
position. Brett Bigler singled to center as Hernandez came
around to tie the score. With Powis on third, Matt Cunningham
had the game-winning hit to left, scoring Powis.
Washington scored four runs in the fifth and then one in the
sixth against UCR starter Matt Theissen. Husky shortstop Brent
Lillibridge had a two RBI triple and scored on a throwing
error in the fifth. Ben Johnson scored Washington’s
fifth run in the sixth on SAC fly by Kyle Larson.
The Highlanders’ sixth was highlighted by three walks,
a single and a grand slam. Kevin Mangels led off the inning
with a walk, followed by a Powis walk and a Bigler single.
Third baseman Tony Festa walked with the bases loaded, scoring
Mangels. Nic Salotti then drilled a ball over the left field
fence for the grand slam.
UCR’s closer Brian Hoff (2-1) gave up two runs in the
top of the ninth, but earned the victory. Fenton (1-1) picked
up the loss for the Huskies, giving up four runs to the Highlanders
after not giving up a run in his previous 43 1/3 innings.
The Highlanders' next game is Sunday at 3:00 p.m. against
Sacramento State, while Washington will play Oregon State
at 11:00 p.m. Both games are at the Riverside Sports Complex.
UC
Riverside vs. Sacramento State Box Score
(Feb.
29, 2004) -Head coach Jack Smitheran pulled an ace from his
sleeve in the UC Riverside baseball team’s dramatic
5-3 come-from-behind win against Sacramento State in the final
game of the 2004 Riverside Baseball Invitational.
Tied in the ninth inning, 3-3, with two outs and Brian Steinmeyer
on third, Aaron Grant drew a walk and immediately took off
for second, inducing a pick off attempt from the Hornet defense.
As Sacramento State checked the runner at third and concentrated
on Grant, Steinmeyer broke for home, sliding around the catcher
and just getting his hand on the plate under the tag for the
stolen base and a 4-3 lead. Grant also safely stole second
on the play.
Since UC Riverside was the designated visiting team in the
tournament format, the team would have to shut down Sacramento
State in the bottom of the inning for the win, which also
gave UCR one more out to increase their lead. The Highlanders’
designated hitter Louie Hernandez did just that, crushing
the ball to right center for an RBI-double driving in Grant
and the 5-3 lead.
The Highlanders entered the ninth down one run, 3-2, and were
able to tie the game on a double from Steinmeyer. Steinmeyer
drove the ball off the wall in the left-center gap, scoring
pinch runner Anthony Claggett who was in for Nick Salotti.
Salotti started the rally with a single through the left side,
his fourth hit of the day. Steinmeyer advanced to third on
a wild pitch to set up the go-ahead run.
UCR’s closer, Brian Hoff (3-1), already in the game
from the final out of the eighth, closed out the ninth inning
earning his second victory of the weekend. Sacramento State’s
Bill Sinacori (0-1) was charged with the loss in allowing
all three ninth-inning runs.
The Highlanders improve to 8-9 and finished the tournament
with a 2-1 record. Friday’s loss to Oregon State, also
2-1, gives the Beavers the tournament win. The Hornets fall
to 10-8 on the season and a 1-2 record and a fourth place
finish in the RBI.
Salotti went 4 for 5 at the plate with an RBI. Scott Powis
was the only other UCR hitter with more than one hit, going
2 for 5. John Acha led the way for the Hornets, going 2 for
4 with a home run and three RBI.
The Hornets took the lead in the sixth, 3-2, with an RBI-double
from Acha. Sacramento State opening the inning with a pair
of singles from Ronnie Machado and Jack Arroyo putting runners
on first and second. Both runners advanced an a sacrifice
bunt, setting up Acha.
The Highlanders opened the scoring with a pair of runs in
the third inning. Junior left fielder Matt Cunningham reached
base on a bobbled ball by the third baseman and moved to third
on a sharp single to right from third baseman Tony Festa.
Cunningham would score on an RBI-double from Salotti. Steinmeyer
brought in Festa on a sacrifice fly for the second run.
Sacramento State cut the Highlanders' lead in half, 2-1, in
the fourth. Acha hit a deep solo home run down the left-field
line. The play before, UCR pitcher John Martinez picked off
Craig Johnson at first to delete the tying run.
The Highlanders hit the road for a three-game set against
Oklahoma beginning on Friday, March 5, and return home to
host San Francisco for three on Friday, March 12 at the Riverside
Sports Complex.
Washington. vs. Oregon
State Box Score
(Feb.
29, 2004) -Paul Richie and Aaron Mathews had four hits each
to lead Oregon State's 19-hit attack as the Beavers beat Washington
13-8 Sunday afternoon in the Riverside Baseball Invitational.
Richie also drove in four runs and Gunderson pitched three
innings of two-hit, one-run ball to earn his third win of
the season in relief for OSU (8-1 overall).
Oregon State finished 2-1 in the event tying them with host
UC Riverside. The Beavers win the tournament due to their
win over the Highlanders Friday afternoon. Washington finishes
1-2 and in third place.
Against Washington (6-3), the Beavers bounced back from their
first defeat of the season, a poorly-played 10-3 loss to Sacramento
State on Saturday, and beat their longtime Pacific Northwest
rivals.
"We responded from yesterday - that was the most important
thing," Richie said. "It tested our character a
little bit. To come out and win against U-Dub is always a
good win ... we wanted to come in today and show 'We're Oregon
State, you're going to have to deal with us to get wins in
the Pac-10'. We're a good club this year, we believe it, and
we're going to go out and play like it."
Richie's four hits and four runs matched his career-highs
in those categories, both reached last April 22 in a 14-4
win at Portland. That was also the last time the Beavers had
as many hits as the 19 they collected against the Huskies;
Washington had entered the game with a 3.44 team earned run
average and was allowing an average of 5.8 hits per game.
After each team scored a pair of runs in the first inning,
the Beavers took the lead for good with four runs in the bottom
of the second inning against Husky righthander Keaton Everitt.
All four runs scored with two out; Richie singled up the middle
to drive in two runs, then Chris Campos followed with a triple
to the wall in centerfield that scored Richie and Campos was
awarded home when the relay throw went into Washington's third-base
dugout.
The Huskies came back for three runs in the top of the third,
but Jonah Nickerson struck out Ben Johnson to end the inning
with the tying run at second base. The freshman righthander,
making his first start, got the Beavers through three innings
with the lead.
"That's exactly what we needed," Richie said. "He's
getting better and better every time he comes out there. Jonah
is going to be a real good guy for us; he just needs to get
some experience, get some innings."
OSU bumped its lead to 7-5 on Richie's run-scoring single
in the fourth inning, then tacked on four more runs to make
it 11-5 in the bottom of the fifth. Mathews had a run-scoring
triple in the fifth and Tony Calderon, Chris Kunda and Mike
Lissman all had RBI singles.
Gunderson, a freshman lefthander, kept the Huskies at bay
from the fourth through sixth innings, holding them scoreless
as he improved to 3-0 this season. The only run he allowed
came after he hit the first batter of the seventh inning and
was relieved by Nathan Pendley.
"Gundy has come in relief and done the job every time
for us," Richie said. "He's getting those wins in
relief; that's his role and he's doing it well."
The Huskies grabbed three runs in the seventh off Gunderson,
Pendley and Nathan Buck to get within 11-8. But the Beavers
picked up single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to
make it 13-8, and OSU turned double plays behind Buck in the
eighth and ninth innings to keep the margin there.
It was Buck's fourth save of the season, tying him for fifth
place on OSU's all-time list of single-season leaders. Mathews
extended his hitting streak to eight games while Jacoby Ellsbury's
streak is now seven games, Mike Lissman's is six and Richie's
is five.
Calderon, Kunda, Shea McFeely and Andy Jenkins all had two
hits each for OSU as the Beavers got hits from nine different
players.
2003-04
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