May 16, 2008

Box Score

Portland, OR - Saint Mary's (24-26-1/ 6-13 WCC) pitching staff struck out seven batters on the day, but none were bigger then Brian Justice's strike out in the bottom of the first, as the junior struggled early walking the first three batters before getting the first out; eventually leaving the bases loaded. Over three hours later, the Gaels defeated the University of Portland (21-31/ 3-16 WCC) by a final score of 10-5 at Joe Etzel Field Friday afternoon.

After walking the first three batters to start the game, things did not look good for Justice and the Gaels, but the junior dug deep and struck out designated hitter Chase Powell on a 2-2 count. A foul out to Anthony Aliotti and a 6-4 fielders choice ended the early Pilots threat and set the tempo for the game. On the day Justice went 4.2 innings, surrendering three hits, three runs, all earned, with five walks and three strike outs.

Offensively the Gaels jumped out early scoring a run in the top of the first, when Kyle Jensen singled through the right side scoring Kenny Fuglerud from second. Fuglerud lead off the game with an infield single and advanced to second on Brian Hawkins ground ball to the second baseman.

They would add another run in the top of the fourth, and three in the top of the fifth, another run in the seventh, and put the game away with four runs in the top of the ninth. On the day the Gaels scored 10 runs off 14 hits.

Earning the win for the Gaels tonight was senior Alex Jensen (3-2) who went two complete innings, surrendering three hits, one earned, run, one walk and struck out one. Following Jensen's strong performance off the mound was Alex Schmarzo who earned his second save of the season, going 2.1 innings pitched, giving up three hits, one earned run, no walks and struck out three.

Taking the loss for the Pilots was starter Mark Triolo (5-6) who was took the hard luck loss, as three Pilot errors lead to the Gaels five runs. On the day Triolo went 4.2 innings, surrendering eight hits, five runs, two earned, with two walks and one strike out.

Collecting hits for the Gaels today was Jensen who went 2-for-6 with two runs scored and two RBI's. He runs his team leading total to 48 on the season. Anthony Aliotti had an excellent day from the plate as well going 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, Aliotti also clubbed his career high, 11th double on the season. Kenny Fuglerud remains white hot down the stretch, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two knocked in. Justin Fazio went 1-for-2 with a run scored and a run knocked in, Fazio also drew two walks.

The two teams will resume play with a 1:00 PM first pitch at Joe Etzel Field. The Gaels are going for the series win, and start Brandon Berl.