May 25, 2002
Provo, Utah - For the second time on the day, San Diego State found itself down by four runs after just two innings, and once again fell to Brigham Young, this time by a score of 5-3 at the Mountain West Conference Tournament in Provo, Utah. With the victory, the Cougars (29-29-1) claimed the conference tourney championship and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals.
For the Aztecs, it was a cruel way to end a season that saw them win the regular-season MWC title, reach the 40-win plateau for the first time since 1997, and climb into the national rankings for the first time in several years. San Diego finishes the season with an overall record of 43-23.
SDSU head coach Jim Dietz pulled out all the stops, starting junior right-hander Rory Shortell on just two days rest. Shortell lasted just two innings, giving up BYU's four runs in the second, and saw his record fall to 8-7 on the year. The big blow for the Cougars in that second frame was a three-run homer by left fielder Ryan Chambers.
After SDSU scored once in the fourth, BYU restored its four-run advantage in the sixth on a solo home run by designated hitter Jake Stubblefield. A thorn in the Aztecs' side throughout the tournament, Stubblefield homered in each of the Cougars' three contests against San Diego State.
SDSU made it interesting in the ninth when Chad Corona hit a two-out home run that scored Jon Stephens who had doubled. Back-to-back walks to Brian Manfred and Taber Lee put the tying run on base, but the Aztecs were unable to capitalize.
Aztec junior Chris Hartshorn pitched well in relief of Shortell, going the 6.2 innings and giving up one run on five hits. He struck out five and walked one before giving way to Royce Ring, who retired the one batter he faced in the ninth.
Brigham Young starter Jason Garcia held the Aztecs in check much of the evening, allowing just three runs on six hits while striking out six and walking three over his 8.2 innings of work. Making just his second start of the year, he picked up the win to improve his record to 3-1. Until Chad Corona's two-out homer in the ninth, Garcia had allowed only eight SDSU base runners with just one advancing past second base.
Landon Burt was the lone Aztecs to record more than one hit on the night with a pair of singles. Second baseman Carlo Cota also had a hit and scored SDSU's lone run in the second on a ground out to third by Jake McLintock. However, SDSU was only able to come up with one hit over the final four innings.
Four Aztecs were named to the all-tournament team at the conclusion of the game: outfielders Jake McLintock, Anthony Gwynn and Landon Burt along with relief pitcher Royce Ring.
Brigham Young 5, San Diego State 3BYU 040 001 000 - 5 10 1SDS 000 100 002 - 3 6 1Garcia and BirkelandShortell, Hartshorn (3), Ring (9) and ManfredW - Garcia (3-1)L - Shortell (8-7)Sv - Mousser (1)HR - BYU: Chambers (2nd-two on), Stubblefield (6th-none on) SDS: Corona (9th-one on)Att.- 2,396Time - 2:37