March 10, 2006
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State right-hander Justin Masterson tossed a complete game, but the Aztecs were unable to give him any offensive support as they were held in check in a 3-1 loss at the University of San Diego Friday afternoon.
SDSU (6-13) was held to just three hits on the afternoon by Torero freshman Brian Matusz, who struck out 10 over his eight innings of work to improve to 2-1 on the season. Masterson (2-3) scattered seven hits, but the three runs (two earned) he allowed were enough to win it for USD.
The top of the first inning was a sign of things to come for San Diego State as they put two runners on with a walk to Quintin Berry and a single to left by Paul Smyth. But Matusz struck out three batters in the frame to erase the threat.
San Diego (10-8) opened the scoring in the first inning as a single by Kevin Hansen was followed by a double to right by Steve Singleton. Hansen scored on a ground out to short by Jordan Abruzzo as the home side took a 1-0 lead.
The Toreros added two more runs in the third when Hansen double home a pair of runs to give USD a 3-0 lead.
After the first inning, Matusz did not allow more than one Aztec to reach base in any inning until the eighth when they scored their lone run of the afternoon. A one-out walk to Sam Pepper was followed by Berry's single to right. Pepper, who had advanced to third on Berry's hit, scored on a sacrifice fly to center by shortstop Nick Romero.
Matt Couch came on in relief in the top of the ninth for the Toreros and retired the side in order to record his first save of the season.
The weekend series between the Aztecs and Toreros now switches to Tony Gwynn Stadium where the teams will meet on Saturday (March 11) at 6:00 p.m.
San Diego 3, San Diego State 1SDS 000 000 010 - 1 3 3USD 102 000 00x - 3 7 0Masterson and SwaydanMatusz, Couch (9) and AbruzzoW - Matusz (2-1)L - Masterson (2-3)Sv - Couch (1)HR - NoneAtt. - 373Time - 2:14