Feb. 4, 2005
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State wasted a fine outing by sophomore pitcher Bruce Billings as it committed five errors in a 9-3 season-opening loss to top-ranked Texas Friday night before an SDSU record crown of 2,857 fans. Aztec miscues accounted for five of the Longhorns' first seven runs being of the unearned variety.
For his part, Billings picked up where he left off last season when he won his final five decisions to finish with a 6-1 mark. On Friday, he threw a strong seven innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts.
> Trailing 3-0 going into the bottom of the fifth, the Aztecs rallied to tie the contest with a two-out three-run rally.
After freshman Grant Desme reached on a fielder's choice, Garrick Evans double to put runners on second and third. Shortstop Clayton Carson then stroked a two-RBI single up the middle to cut the deficit to one. Texas starter Kyle McCulloch then walked three straight batters, with Lance Zawadzki picking up the third RBI of the inning.
The score remained tied until Texas put four runs (three unearned) on the board in the eighth, sending 10 men to the plate against a total of three Aztec relievers. The Longhorns added a pair of insurance runs in the final frame.
SDSU's five errors in the game were confined to the infield as every position from first to third committed a miscue.
"We just didn't make the plays tonight," said SDSU head coach Tony Gwynn. "We've been talking about that for the last five months. If you make mistakes against good teams, they're going to capitalize on them. That's just what Texas did tonight.
"I liked the way we battled back to tie, but you can't expect to win with that many errors. Bruce Billings did a great job on the mound for us and he deserved better."
Neither starting pitcher was involved in the decision as Texas reliever Clayton Stewart picked up his first win of the season while SDSU's Will Miller suffered the loss.
SDSU left fielder Garrick Evans and shortstop Clayton Carson had tow hits apiece to account for all but one of the team's hits on the night. Sophomore Brock Ungricht had a single and a pair of walks in his debut at first base.
The Aztecs and Longhorns continue their three-game series on Saturday (Feb. 5) with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Texas 9, San Diego State 3Texas 002 010 042 - 9 8 0SDSU 000 300 000 - 3 5 5McCulloch, Stewart (6), Cox (8) and TeagardenBillings. Miller (8), Scott (8), Campbell (8), Ybarra (9) and SwaydanW - Stewart (1-0)L - Miller (0-1)Sv - NoneHR - NoneTime - 2:54Att. - 2,857