March 29, 2010
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State built a big lead then withstood a ninth-inning comeback attempt to hang on as it defeated Stony Brook, 11-10, Monday evening at Tony Gwynn Stadium. It was the first-ever meeting between the schools on the baseball field and what looked to be a comfortable victory for the Aztecs turned into a nail-biter at the finish.
The Seawolves (7-11) wasted little time as they took the early lead with a pair of runs in the first off SDSU freshman left-hander Matthew McDaniel, who was making his first start of the season. His Aztec teammates tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the inning on an RBI double by Cory Vaughn and a run-scoring single by Jordan Van Hoosier.
After Stony Brook pushed a cross another run in the second, the Aztecs took the lead for good with four runs in their half of the inning. The big blow in the frame was a bases-loaded triple by Jomel Torres, who would also score on an ensuing single by Brandon Meredith.
San Diego State brought on freshman right-hander Kyle Shaver to begin the third and the first-year Aztec would go on to pitch five innings of shutout ball, allowing three hits along with a walk while striking out three. His effort would earn him his first career win as he improved to 1-0 on the season.
The Aztec offense, meanwhile, added to its 6-3 lead with three more runs in the sixth. Singles by Ryan O'Sullivan and Blair Moore to open the inning meant the end of the night for Stony Brook starting pitcher James Campbell, who would eventually take the loss to fall to 0-1.
The Seawolves called Jordan Purington from the bullpen and the senior worked Chris Wilson to a full count before the Aztec catcher connected for his second homer of the season to give SDSU a 9-3 advantage. Two more runs in the seventh made it an 11-3 cushion and the game looked safe heading into the top of the ninth.
Stony Brook, however, had other ideas as it scored seven runs on eight hits off SDSU relievers Shawn Sanford and Kegan Sharp. Aztec closer John Pecoraro came on with SDSU holding a two-run lead and the visitors having a runner at second with two out. A single scored the Seawolves' tenth run before Pecoraro got a strikeout to end the game and record his fourth save.
Vaughn and Moore both finished the night with two hits apiece, an RBI and two runs scored. Wilson and Torres had just one hit each, but both accounted for three RBI.
Stony Brook and San Diego State will conclude their two-game series on Tuesday (March 30) with a game slated for a 6:00 p.m. (PT) start at Tony Gwynn Stadium.