March 5, 2004
SAN DIEGO - North Carolina State scored a pair of unearned runs in the top of the eighth inning to break a 1-1 deadlock and go on to a 3-1 win over San Diego State Friday evening at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The Wolfpack's two-run rally came just one inning after the Aztecs had tied the score after falling behind early.
For the fifth game in a row, right-hander Scott Shoemaker (1-5) failed to get much in the way of offensive support as the Aztecs have scored just six times in those five contests. The senior from Long Beach went seven strong innings, allowing three runs (one earned) while striking out seven and walking one.
North Carolina State, which finds itself undefeated after its first 10 games of the season, broke on top with a run in the fourth on a two-out RBI single by first baseman David Hicks. That run-scoring hit came after the Aztecs had thrown a runner out at the plate earlier in the inning.
SDSU's best chance came before it scored in the seventh was one inning earlier when Landon Burt hit a one-out triple to right center. But Wolfpack starter Michael Rogers struck out James Guerrero and Rielly Embrey to end the threat. Rogers had a career high 12 strikeouts on the night as he improved to 3-0.
The Aztecs tied the game when pinch runner David Hall scored from third when the Wolfpack third baseman allowed Curt Mendoza's ground ball to get by him into left field.
NC State's two-run eighth began with a single to center by Matt Camp and a bunt single by Jason St. Julien. Dustin Knight's ensuing grounder to short was thrown past first base, allowing Camp to score. After a line out to third, a ground out to first scored St. Julien for the second run of the inning.
Wolfpack relief ace Joey Devine pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure the win and record his fifth save. Through 10 games, North Carolina State's bullpen has yet to allow a run in 29.2 innings.
The Aztecs and Wolfpack continue their three-game series on Saturday, March 6, with game time set for 6:00 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
North Carolina State 3, San Diego State 1NCST 000 100 020 - 3 9 1SDSU 000 000 100 - 1 4 2Rogers, Caldwell (8), Devine (9) and MuycoShoemaker, Coon (8), Zink (8) and UngrichtW - Rogers (3-0)L - Shoemaker (1-5)Sv - Devine (5)HR - NoneAtt. - 589Time - 2:33