April 6, 2008

Box Score

Moraga, CA - Many teams would pack it in after giving up a ten run inning to a top ranked opponent, that is not what Saint Mary's (16-12-1/2-4 WCC) did however, as they battled hard in the later innings, ultimately falling to Pepperdine (20-10/3-2 WCC) by a score of 20-9 Sunday afternoon.

The Waves put the series away in the top of the second after knocking in 10 runs, highlighted by big hitting left fielder Eric Thames three-run homerun off the right field scoreboard. The homerun was Thames third of the series.

Sophomore Scott Schneider (4-3) took the ball for the Gaels and had a rough go against the No. 11 ranked Waves. Schneider threw his pitches for strikes, but unfortunately the Waves batters put the ball where the defense wasn't. On the day Schneider went 1.2 innings, giving up 11 hits, 11 runs, all earned, one walk, and two strike outs.

The Gaels didn't go down quietly however, as four players' collected multi-hit games which helped to score four in the bottom of the fourth, three in the sixth and two in the ninth. Senior right fielder Kenny Fuglerud went 2-for-5 with a double and a single scoring one run and knocking in two. Senior designated hitter Brian Hawkins went 3-for-6 with a run and an RBI, junior Joel Staples continues to see his batting average climb as he went 2-for-5 with a run and an RBI.

Sophomore left fielder Kyle Jensen remains the big threat for the Gaels, Jensen went 3-for-6 with a run scored, and added three RBI's, giving him 28 on the season. KJ also saw his batting average move up towards the .400 mark.

On the mound for the Waves on Sunday was LHP Matt Bywater (4-1) who went five innings, giving up nine hits, four runs, all earned, four walks, and three strike outs. Coming out of the bullpen for the Waves was Doug Konoske who earned a save for pitching the final three innings.

Out of the bullpen for the Gaels was freshman pitcher Justin Kuks. Kuks was very effective in his five innings of work, as he surrendered two hits, three runs, three earned, one walk, and struck out four.

Sophomore catcher Ryan Mulligan showed excellent patience at the plate, as he went 1-for-1 with three walks, he also scored two runs and knocked in a run.

Sophomore first baseman Anthony Aliotti went 1-for-3 with a run scored, he also drew two walks. It was Aliotti who got the Gaels going offensively, by leading off the bottom of the fourth inning with a double. The double was Aliotti's sixth double of the season.

The Gaels will finish up their nine game homestand as they host Cal State Monterey Bay on Tuesday April 8th. The game is slated for a 3:00 PM first pitch.