April 26, 2008

Box Score

Moraga, CA - On a beautiful day at Louis Guisto Field, Saint Mary's (21-18-1/5-9 WCC) had it all working, as they defeated the Gonzaga (24-18/6-7 WCC) by a final score of 3-2 in a quick game Saturday afternoon.

It took only two hours and 17 minutes for the Gaels to even up the series, propelled by Brian Justice's (4-2) strong performance. The Gaels ace went eight complete, scattering five hits, two runs, both earned, walking one and striking out four. Justice was in command all afternoon, as he blew through the Bulldogs line-up, throwing strikes to both sides of the plate.

The Gaels jumped out to an early lead scoring one in the bottom of the first when senior Brian Hawkins scored off a fielder's choice from Kenny Fuglerud. The Gaels added two insurance runs in the bottom of the second when a Randy Wells single up the middle scored Justice Fazio, Aliotti added the second round when Daniel Alcaire hit a sac fly to the left fielder.

On the afternoon Aliotti went 2-for-3 with the run scored, Kyle Jensen went 2-for-4, with his 12th double of the season. The double was Jensen's 25th extra base hit of the season.

Gonzaga's RHP AJ Proszek (2-4) took the hard luck loss, as he was tagged early for the three runs but settled down, going eight complete, surrendering six hits, the runs, all earned, two walks and three strike outs.

Freshman Alex Schmarzo came into the game in the top of the ninth and absolutely dealt, as he got the Bulldogs to fall 1-2-3, striking out two, to earn his first save of the season.

Bulldogs bit hitting first baseman Ryan Weigand went 0-for-4 on the afternoon.

The two teams will pay the rubber match tomorrow at 1:00 PM; it will be senior day as the Gaels will honor four seniors.