Feb. 15, 2002
San Diego - San Diego State unleashed a 16-hit attack Friday night as it defeated visiting Western Kentucky, 17-3, at Tony Gwynn Stadium. In the process, the Aztecs (6-4) halted a three-game losing skid while the Hilltoppers (3-1) saw their season-opening three-game win streak snapped.
After spotting the visitors a run on three hits in the opening frame, SDSU answered with a single run in its half of the first. The Aztecs then scored seven unanswered runs over the next three innings to stake themselves to an 8-1 lead.
Western Kentucky came back with a run in the top of the sixth, but San Diego State answered with five in the bottom of the inning to put the result beyond doubt. The Hilltoppers added their final run in the eighth, but again SDSU responded, this time with four more in the same inning.
Outfielder Chad Redfern led the Aztec offense with three hits including a pair of doubles. His second two-bagger of the night came in the sixth with three men on and cleared the bases. Anthony Gwynn, Carlo Cota, Josh Hill and Josh Allen recorded two hits apiece with Hill and Allen driving in a pair of runs each. Jake McLintock and Taber Lee also had two RBIs apiece for SDSU.
Aztec starting pitcher Rory Shortell improved his record to 2-1, going seven innings and allowing two runs (one earned), while striking out five. Junior Eric Human went the final two innings, giving up a run and recording a pair of strikeouts. WKU's Brandon Miller (0-1) suffered his first loss of the year in his second start of the young season.
Western Kentucky and San Diego will square off again Saturday evening (Feb. 16) at Tony Gwynn Stadium at 7:00 p.m. Earlier that afternoon, the Hilltoppers will face Oregon State at The Aztecs' home field at 1:00 p.m.
San Diego State 17, Western Kentucky 3WKY 100 001 010 - 3 8 2SDS 124 105 04x - 16 17 3Miller, Hughes (4), Prida (6), Sketo (8), Roiberg (8) and Bearden, Yaeger (6), Polson (7)Shortell, Human (8) and Allen, Wilson (8)W - Shortell (2-1)L - Miller (0-1)Sv - NoneHR: NoneAtt. - 762Time 2:55