March 7, 2013
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - One clutch hit was the difference as 16th-ranked Arkansas handed San Diego State a 2-0 loss in the opening game of their four-game series at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville. The win ended a four game losing streak for the Razorbacks (8-5) as well as a four-game win streak (7-6) for the Aztecs.
The loss wasted a fine pitching effort from sophomore right-hander Michael Cederoth, who tossed his first complete game as an Aztec. Cederoth went eight innings allowing the two runs on just three hits with three walks and a season-high seven strikeouts. In fact, after giving up the runs in the bottom of the third, he retired the final 16 batters he faced over the final five-plus innings.
That two-run inning for Arkansas began with a walk to Bret McAfee, who stole second before a single by Jacob Mahan put runners at first and third with no outs. Cederoth (1-2) then struck out the next two batters with Mahan moving to second on a wild pitch. Brian Anderson then laced a double to right center to bring home both runs. Anderson would be the last Razorback to reach base the rest of the game.
San Diego State, meanwhile, was unable to cash in on its scoring opportunities as the Aztecs went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Their best chance came in the top of the third when they loaded the bases with one out, but a double play ended the threat. SDSU grounded into four double plays on the night with two of those coming with men in scoring position.
Three Razorback pitchers limited the Aztecs to six hits in the shutout win with starter Colin Poche earning the win to improve top 2-0 on the season. Barrett Astin went the final two innings to record his first save of the year.
No player tallied more than one hit for the Aztecs with Jake Romanski reaching base twice (single, walk) as did teammate Evan Potter (two walks).
San Diego State and Arkansas will continue their weekend series with a contest on Friday (March 8) at 3:05 p.m. (CT) with junior right-hander Philip Walby set to start on the mound for the Aztecs.