May 19, 2005
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State's comeback effort from a four-run deficit fell just short as Brigham Young defeated SDSU, 4-3, Thursday night at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Despite getting another fine starting pitching performance, this time from sophomore Bruce Billings, the Aztecs were unable to get the clutch hit when they needed it, leaving nine men on base during the contest.
The win was the fourth straight for the Cougars, who improved to 37-16-1 overall and 21-8 in the Mountain West Conference, a half game behind league leader UNLV. The Aztecs saw their record fall to 22-33 (16-13 MWC) as they hold a game-and-a-half lead over New Mexico for third place.
The visitors opened the scoring with an unearned run in the third inning off Billings (5-5), who ended up allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out seven over seven innings. His 2005 strikeout total gave him 102 for the season, the ninth-best season total in SDSU history.
BYU opened up a 4-0 lead with three runs in the sixth as Jeff Hiestand led off with a triple. Pinch runner Adrian Molina scored on an ensuing double by Brandon Taylor, who then scored on a single by Ben Saylor. Saylor scored later in the frame on a fielder's choice.
San Diego State began its comeback with a single run in the bottom of the sixth on a single by Jake McLintock, a throwing error by the Cougar right fielder Ryan Chambers, and an RBI single by Tim O'Brien.
SDSU made it a 4-3 three contest two innings later as Jordan Swaydan's two-out single drove home Brock Ungricht and O'Brien, both of whom had reached base on walks. Swaydan ended his night as the lone Aztec with multiple hits, going 3-for-4 with the two RBI.
Brigham Young starter Lance Beus (2-1) went 7.2 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and recording nine strikeouts. Right-hander Justin Su'a, who came on with two out in the eighth, retired four of the five hitters he faced to notch his first save of the season.
The Cougars and Aztecs conclude their regular seasons with game three of the series on Friday (May 20) at 1:00 p.m. It will be SDSU's final home contest of 2005 and three seniors will be honored during a pre-game ceremony.
Brigham Young 4, San Diego State 3BYU 001 003 000 - 4 9 1SDS 000 001 020 - 3 7 2Beus, Su'a (8) and NelsonBillings, Coon (7), Suwyn (9) and SwaydanW - Beus (2-1)L - Billings (5-5)Sv - Su'a (1)HR - NoneTime - 2:53Att. - 807