April 27, 2008
Box Score
Moraga, CA - On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, in which four players were honored on senior day, the Gaels managed just five runs off 16 hits, as Saint Mary's (21-19-1/5-10 WCC) dropped the rubber match to Gonzaga (25-18/ 6-8 WCC) by a final score of 18-5 at Louis Guisto Field.
The Gaels fell behind early as the Bulldogs scored two runs in the top of the first as starter Justin Kuks (0-3) struggled early with his command, walking two and hitting a batter to bring in two runs. On the day Kuks, went three innings, giving up four hits, four runs, all earned, two walks and one strike out. The Bulldogs added a third run in the top of the second when a lead off single and another hit batter put runners at first and second with no outs. Following a sac bunt, and a sack fly from Marcus McKimy made the score 3-0.
The Gaels scored two in the bottom of the first when senior Kenny Fuglerud lead off the inning with a single to centerfield. Ryan Mulligan continued his hot hitting with a double down the left field line, which advanced Fuglerud to third, with no outs. Anthony Aliotti bounced a single over the head of Bulldog's first baseman Ryan Wiegand, scoring both Fuglerud and Mulligan.
Brandon Berl came into the game for the Gaels in the top of the fourth and got through two innings quickly, and the Gaels pulled within one run following a fielders choice from Fuglerud which scored Brian Hawkins.
Berl was on the verge of another quick inning in the top of the sixth, but couldn't get the final out, and the Bulldogs rallied for a big inning which put the game away, scoring five, making the score 9-3. On the afternoon Berl went 2.2 innings, giving up seven hits, give runs, four earned, one walk and no strike outs.
Gonzaga's starter Cody Martin (3-0) came into the game with impressive numbers, but the Gaels seemed to have him figured out, as they knocked the freshman around for 11 hits, but could manage to bring in just three runs.
Fuglerud went 1-for-5 on the afternoon, with a run scored and two RBI's. Hawkins went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Jensen went 3-for-4 with thee singles. Mulligan went 2-for-4 with his third double of the season, he also scored a run. Cory Miller and Joel Staples both had multi-hit days, each going 2-for-4.
Senior Alex Jensen had a very strong outing, going 1.1 innings pitched, scattering three hits, surrendering zero runs, walking none and striking out one.
The Gaels have a rare week off, and resume play next weekend, as the Gaels head to Miami, to take on the University of Miami in a three game series that begins Friday with a 7:00 PM eastern first pitch.
