March 31, 2000
San Diego - San Diego State came back from three runs down to defeat Brigham Young Friday evening by a score of 6-3 in game two of their three game series at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
The win moved the Aztecs (20-16, 8-3 Mountain West Conference) into a tie for second place with the Cougars (18-14, 8-3 MWC). Both teams trail first-place New Mexico (8-1) which defeated Utah 3-0 in Salt Lake City earlier in the day.
Senior Jeremy Cook held BYU scoreless for four innings, but ran into trouble in the fifth, allowing three runs (two earned). Included in that inning was a solo home run by Cougar left fielder Aaron Whitley, his third of the season.
San Diego State responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth, getting RBI singles from Billy Montgomery and Andy Literal from a fielder's choice RBI from Chad Chop. It was the first offense generated by the Aztecs against BYU starter Micah Mangrum, who finished with 13 strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings pitched.
SDSU took the lead in the seventh when Montgomery scored from third on a two-out wild pitch. The Aztecs then added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth on an RBI double by catcher Brandon Rogers and a double steal on which Rogers scored from third with Montgomery going to second.
John Skinner picked up his second save in as many nights, throwing a perfect ninth inning to wrap up the win for reliever Mike Garber (1-0). Mangrum (5-4) took the loss for the Cougars.
Montgomery was the Aztec hitting star, going 3-for-5 with two runs score, an RBI and a pair of stolen bases. Litteral, Rogers and Matt Ricardy had two hits apiece for SDSU.
San Diego State and BYU conclude their three-game series on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The Aztec will then play an exhibition contest against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Sunday (April 1) at 4:00 at TGS.
San Diego State 6, Brigham Young 3BYU 000 030 000 - 3 10 2SDSU 000 030 12x - 6 10 2Mangrum, Fernley (8) and ClowardCook, Julianel (6), Garber (7), Minter (8), Skinner (9) and RogersW - Garber (1-0)L - Mangrum (5-4)SV - Skinner (2)HR - BYU Whitley (3)Time - 2:23Att - 357