March 6, 2018
TUCSON, Ariz. - The San Diego State baseball team suffered a 13-4 setback to Arizona at Hi Corbett Field. The No. 25 Aztecs fall to 8-4 on the year, while Arizona evens its record to 6-6.
The Aztecs swung the bat well in the early stages of the game, scoring a pair of first-inning runs in thanks to a Jordan Verdon double scoring David Hensley and Julian Escobedo. An inning later, the Aztecs built that lead to 3-0 with leadoff hitter Matt Rudick bringing home Escobedo on a single through the left side of the inning.
Arizona chipped away in the bottom of the second, scoring a run on a double play with the bases loaded. The Wildcats obtained the lead and never looked back after a three-run, three-hit inning gave Arizona a 4-3 advantage.
The Wildcats added to its lead with four runs in the fourth, a pair of runs in the fifth, and a trio of runs in the eighth to give the Wildcats a season-high 13 runs and 15 hits. The Arizona bullpen kept the Aztec bats quiet with four Wildcat relievers combining for 7.1 innings with just one run allowed.
SDSU brought home a run in the ninth with David Hensley hitting a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left field to score Isaiah Parra.
Leadoff hitter Matt Rudick led the Aztecs with a 3-for-4 day at the plate including an RBI. Chad Bible also recorded a multi-hit performance, posting a 2-for-4 showing.
Justin Goossen-Brown was dealt the loss and saw his record evened at 1-1, going 2.1 innings with four hits and four runs allowed in his second start of the season. A pair of freshmen gave SDSU some strong relief during the middle innings, with Casey O'Sullivan and Christian Winston teaming up for 2.1 innings of shutout and hitless relief.
Notes
- The loss for SDSU snapped a four-game winning streak against Pac-12 opponents, the team's longest winning streak against the Pac-12 since 2007.
- Matt Rudick continued a successful start to his collegiate career, having reached base in 11 consecutive games after a 3-for-4 performance. Since taking over the leadoff spot on Feb. 26, the freshman is batting .542 (13-for-24) with five RBI in seven games.
Up Next
SDSU returns home for a Mountain West series against Air Force. The series opener between the Aztecs and Falcons is scheduled for Friday, March 9, at 6:00 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium.