Feb. 18, 2014
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego State scored six times in the sixth inning to erase an early two-run deficit as it recovered to defeat Loyola Marymount, 9-2, Tuesday night at Tony Gwynn Stadium in the team's 2014 home opener. The win was the third straight for the Aztecs, who improved to 3-1 while LMU saw its record fall to 2-2.
The Lions jumped out to a quick 2-0, the result of a pair of unearned runs in the top of the first. Two SDSU errors along with two singles and a double off Aztec starter TJ Kendzora gave the visitors the early advantage in the contest.
The San Diego State offense produced little over the first five frames with LMU starting pitcher J.D. Busfield keeping the Aztecs off the board as he scattered three hits and two walks while striking out four. But the game turned in the sixth when the Lions lifted Busfield in favor of reliever Brandon Horth.
SDSU greeted the new LMU hurler by loading the bases on three straight singles and put up its first run on a bases-loaded walk to Spencer Thornton. The proved to be Horth's final batter as Bret Dahlson was brought in from the bullpen.
The pitching change had minimal effect as Dahlson proceeded to walk Ty France to force in another run and tie the contest at 2-2. Freshman CJ Saylor then stepped up and rifled a triple to the right center field gap, clearing the basses and giving the home side a 5-2 lead. Saylor would then score on a sacrifice fly by Cody Sos to complete the six-run rally.
The Aztecs added three runs to their total in the bottom of the eight with four hits that included a two-run single by Tim Zier. Zier would finish the evening with four hits, two RBI and a run scored.
SDSU right-hander Mark Seyler (1-0) who would pick up his first victory as an Aztec, came on in relief of Kendzora with two on and one out in the top of the third. He would end up tossing 5.2 innings of shutout ball, limiting the Lions to three hits and a walk with four strikeouts. Of the four runners he allowed, only one advanced past first base.
In addition to Zier, SDSU's other offensive standouts on the night included Ryan Muno (three hits, run scored) and CJ Saylor (double, triple, three RBI). Greg Allen and Seby Zavala each collected two hits and a scored a run.
San Diego State continues its short home stand with a three-game weekend series against West Virginia that gets underway on Friday, Feb. 21) at 6:00 p.m.