March 14, 2014
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego State rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh to overcome a two-run deficit and went on to defeat Purdue, 8-7, in the first-ever meeting between the schools Friday evening at Tony Gwynn Stadium. With the victory, their fourth straight, the Aztecs improved to 13-4 while the Boilermakers dropped to 1-11.
The contest started well enough for SDSU as back-to-back doubles from Ty France and Seby Zavala gave the home side a 1-0 lead in the opening inning. The Aztecs' first four hits of the contest over the first three frames were doubles, but they could only add one run to their total with a marker in the third to make it 2-0.
Purdue finally responded with a pair of runs in its half of the fifth against Aztec starter Mike Robards to make it a 2-2 contest. The junior left-hander would depart after five innings and would not be involved in the decision.
San Diego State came back in the bottom of the fifth as it loaded the bases with no outs on a single by Tim Zier that followed walks to Evan Potter and Greg Allen. But Purdue starter Jordan Minch got a double play and although the Aztecs scored on the play to go up 3-2, a potential rally was cut short.
The Boilermakers then took the lead for the first time in the game with three runs in the top of the sixth in an inning that included a single, two doubles, a walk and a pair of Aztec miscues. With one out and runners at first and third, redshirt freshman Cody Thomson was called in from the SDSU bullpen and he struck out next two batters to end the threat and keep the score at 5-3.
Thompson would go on to pitch the next two innings as well, surrendering only a single. He would be rewarded for his effort when his teammates put together their five-run outburst in the bottom of the seventh as he would pick up the win to improve to 2-0.
In the seventh a leadoff walk to CJ Saylor and single by Potter were followed by Allen's sacrifice bunt to put men at second and third. Tim Zier was the safe on a fielder's choice to load the bases before France's single to right scored two runs and tied the contest at 5-5. Zavala then drove home the go-head run on an error and SDSU added two more on a wild pitch and fielder's choice to go up 8-5.
Closer Michael Cederoth was then called in to start the ninth and, despite giving up a two-run homer that made it a one-run contest, was credited with his seventh save of the year.
France was the lone Aztec to register more than one hit on the night (single, double) as he and Zavala had two RBI apiece.
San Diego State and Purdue will play game two of their four-game weekend series on Saturday (March 15) with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m.