March 27, 2012
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State fought back from an early three-run deficit en route to defeating UC Riverside, 7-3, Tuesday night in the first contest of a five-game home stand. The win snapped a short three-game skid for the Aztecs, who improved to 11-15 on the year while the Highlanders dropped to 7-11.
SDSU sophomore right-hander Philip Walby, making his first start and second appearance of the season, breezed through the first inning but was touched up for two singles and a pair of doubles in the second as Riverside scored three times to grab the lead.
The Aztec responded one inning later, tying the contest with three runs of their own in the bottom of the third. A leadoff double by Jake Romanski and single by Ryan Muno set the table for freshman Matt Muñoz to drive home the first run with a single through the left side.
A sacrifice bunt by Greg Allen put runners at second and third before Tim Zier's grounder to second brought home Muno to make it a one-run game. UCR starter Trevor Frank then uncorked a wild pitch allowing Muñoz to score and make it a 3-3 contest.
Taylor Hansen came on in relief of Walby to start the fourth for San Diego State, and the Aztec freshman would go on to toss 4.1 shutout innings allowing just one hit with four walks and three strikeouts. His effort in keeping the Highlander off the board led to his eventually being credited with the victory as he evened his record at 1-1.
The Aztecs took the lead in their half of the seventh, scoring three times off UCR reliever Mitch Patito. Two walks and a single loaded the bases for Romanski, whose single up the middle brought home two runs and sent Patito to the showers. His replacement on the mound, Mark Garcia, was promptly greeted by a single off the bat of Muno to give the home side a 6-3 lead.
The Aztecs would add one more run in the eighth on a leadoff double by Spencer Thornton and an RBI single by Seby Zavala. UCR's Patito would be charged with the loss to fall to 1-2 on the season. Mike Hachadorian, who pitched the final 1.1 innings for SDSU, picked up his first save of the season.
For the Aztecs, Jake Romanski finished the night with two hits including a double, two RBI and a run scored. Ryan Muno and Spencer Thornton also recorded two hits apiece while Matt Muñoz had two runs batted in.
Up next for San Diego State is a return to conference play as it hosts Air Force for a three-game series this weekend. The first contest between the Falcons and Aztecs is scheduled for Friday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium.