March 7, 2014
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego State left nine men on base including six in scoring position as it came up on the short end of a 4-3 decision against Nevada Friday night at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The loss left the Aztecs with a 9-4 record overall and 2-2 in the Mountain West. The Wolf Pack, meanwhile, improved to 6-7 (3-4 MW).
Aztec start Mike Robards surrendered single runs to the Wolf Pack in both the first and third innings before SDSU could get on the board. After stranding runners at first and second in the bottom of the second, SDSU cut the deficit to 2-1 with a run in its half of the third. A bases-loaded walk to Andrew Brown drove in the run, but SDSU was unable to capitalize further and left the bases loaded.
The big blow in the contest came in the top of the next inning when DH Bryce Greager sent a two-run home over the left field fence to make it a 4-1 contest.
Nevada starting hurler Michael Fain effectively shut down the Aztecs over the next three innings although once again SDSU had a chance in the bottom of the sixth with men at second and third and one out. However they were unable to get the hit they needed and the opportunity was wasted.
With the departure of Fain after six innings, San Diego State was able to take advantage of reliever Jason Deitrich in the bottom of the seventh. Singles by Greg Allen and Tim Zier were followed by an RBI double by Seby Zavala that made it 4-2 ad set SDSU up with runners and second a third with no outs. Colby Blueberg was then called out of the Nevada bullpen and he gave up a sacrifice fly to Brad Haynel to make it a one run game, but got out of the inning with a fly ball and strikeout.
With SDSU trailing by a run, the bottom of the ninth opened with a 3-0 count to Greg Allen. Wolf-Pack closer Adam Whitt then entered the contest and eventually coaxed a ground out from Allen and retired the ensuing two hitters to wrap up the win for the Wolf Pack.
Fain would be credited with the win to improve to 2-1 while the save was the third of the year for Whitt. SDSU's RoBards saw his record drop to 2-2 with the loss.
Zavala led the Aztecs with three hits on the night including two doubles while Allen contributed a pair of singles.
San Diego State and Nevada will play the second game of their three-game weekend series on Saturday (Mar. 8) at 2:00 p.m.