April 1, 2011
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State's attempted comeback from a five-run deficit fell just short as it dropped a 5-4 decision to Oral Roberts Friday night in the opener of their three-game weekend series. The loss ended a three-game losing streak for the Golden Eagles, who improved to 9-10 on the year. SDSU, meanwhile, saw its record fall to 8-18.
ORU came out swinging against Aztec starter Craig Rasmussen (1-2), who was making his first start of the season. Three runs in the opening frame plus two more in the fourth staked the visitors to a 5-0 lead against the senior left-hander. Rasmussen's night ended after 3.2 innings during which he gave up all five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three.
San Diego State's comeback bid began in the bottom of the fifth after it had been held to just a lone hit over the first four frames by Oral Roberts starter Bryce Smolen. He opened the fifth by striking out Chris Wilson, but doing so on a wild pitch that allowed the Aztec right fielder to reach first base. Brad Haynal followed with a single and the runners were moved to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by Cody Slader.
A single to right by Cody Smith brought home Wilson and ended Smolen's evening after 4.1 innings. Alec Smith then came out of the bullpen for the Golden Eagles and hit Evan Potter to load the bases before giving up an RBI walk to Pat Colwell to make it a 3-2 contest.
The Aztecs drew within a run two innings later on a walk to Cody Smith and an infield single by Potter. With Joe Spring on in relief, a balk moved the runners to second and third before Colwell's single to center drove them both home and made it a one-run contest.
But that's as close as SDSU would get as ORU closer Matt Rush came on to pitch the final 1.2 innings to record his fourth save. The Aztecs did put a pair of runners on in the bottom of the ninth, but Rush struck out Colwell to end the game. The victory went to Alec Smith, who improved to 2-0.
San Diego State was held to just five hits (all singles) on the evening by five Oral Roberts pitchers. Brad Haynal had two of those hits while Pat Colwell had three of his teams four RBI.
The Aztecs and Golden Eagles will face off again on Saturday (April 1) in a contest scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start at Tony Gwynn Stadium.