USF Baseball Downs Saint Mary's 5-1; Dons Win First Conference Series of 2008 :: Matt Lujan Throws Three Hit Complete Game

March 30, 2008

(Moraga, CA) - Freshman left-hander Matt Lujan threw his second consecutive gem of a pitching performance as he led San Francisco to a 5-1 win over Saint Mary's in West Coast Conference action at Luis Guisto Field on Sunday afternoon. The Dons (16-11, 2-1 WCC) have won eight of their last nine games, including seven straight.

Last time out, Lujan (3-0) earned the 6-0 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson (3/20) in 8.0 innings. Today, he threw the complete game, only giving up one earned run, scattering three hits, walking just two, and striking out two Gaels (14-10, 1-2 WCC). Both the defense and offense helped secure the victory.

Senior right fielder Kyle Morgan had another spectacular day at the plate, giving the Dons three of their five runs in the second. With two runs already across and the bases loaded with two outs, Morgan smashed a stinging double to left center, scoring all three Dons runners to make it a quick 5-0 ball game.

SMC avoided the shutout by pushing one across in the bottom of the ninth. Senior right fielder Kenny Fuglerud walked to start the inning and moved to second on a wild pitch from Lujan. He then advanced to third when senior designated hitter Brian Hawkins flied out to center field. Junior shortstop Joel Staples singled down the right field line to score Fuglerud before Lujan retired the next two batters to end the game.

Morgan was 2-for-4 with the massive double, three RBI and a stolen base in today's contest. Senior shortstop Tavo Hall went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base. Freshman designated hitter Connor Bernatz went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and junior third baseman Dane Braunecker was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Senior second baseman Joey Railey also had two hits and scored a run. Rounding out the Dons 11 base knocks was sophomore catcher Ryan Lipkin with a single.

Gaels sophomore Scott Schneider (4-2) took the loss, throwing 8.0 innings and only having a rough go of it in the second when he gave up all of the Dons five earned runs. He allowed 10 hits, two walks, and struck out eight Dons. Sophomore right-hander Jimmy Munhill finished the game, allowing one hit and striking out one Don in the ninth.

USF hosts No. 12 Cal in the Third Annual Dante Benedetti Classic at AT&T Park on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Game time is set for 6:30 PM. St. Ignatius will meet Sacred Heart Cathedral in a 3:00 PM game before the Dons night cap.