May 5, 2013
RENO, Nev. - Brad Gerig's leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth spoiled a spirited comeback by San Diego State in the top of the inning and gave Nevada a 4-3 victory over San Diego State Sunday afternoon in Reno. The loss dropped SDSU's season mark to 23-24 overall and 13-11 in the Mountain West while the Wolf Pack improved to 24-23 (11-13 MW).
Nevada built a 3-0 lead in the contest as it scored a run in the second and two more in the fifth off Aztec starter Philip Walby. The junior right-hander would go eight innings allowing three runs on six hits with a pair of walks and eight strikeouts. He would not, however, be involved in the final decision.
The Aztecs came to bat in the top of the ninth trailing by three runs and facing Nevada closer Michael Fain. Wolf Pack starter Tom Jameson had shut out SDSU over the first eight frames allowing just four hits but surrendering five walks while striking out three.
Aztec DH Brad Haynal greeted Fain with a home run to left field to start off the top of the ninth. A single by Ty France was followed by a pair of strikeouts before Evan Potter drew a walk. Matt Muñoz then belted a double to right center that scored both runners and knotted the score at 3-3.
In the bottom of the inning SDSU called on freshman closer Bubba Derby, who had recorded his 10th save of the season in Saturday's contest. Sunday was another story, however, and Gerig was able to send a ball over the left field fence to give Nevada the walk-off victory.
The home run benefitted Nevada's Fain, who despite giving up three runs in the top of the inning would be credited with the win to even his season record at 3-3. The loss went to Derby and also saw his record move to 3-3.
San Diego State will take a short break from conference action as it travels to Riverside on Tuesday, May 7, for a contest against UC Riverside at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverside Sports Complex. The Highlanders and Aztecs have met twice previously this season with each side winning once.