May 11, 2008

Box Score

Santa Clara, CA - Going into the bottom of the 10th Saint Mary's (23-25-1/5-12 WCC) had a two run lead, but were unable to close the game out, as Santa Clara (31-18/11-6 WCC) puts up three runs to win the game by a final score of 9-8 at Schott Stadium.

The Gaels rallied for two runs in the top of the tenth, following a two out, two RBI single from Ryan Mulligan that scored Kenny Fuglerud and Cory Miller. Alex Schmarzo (2-2) came out for his second inning of work, and after giving up back to back singles, the Gaels got two outs, however, the bases were loaded for the Broncos. A two out double from Santa Clara's Brady Fuerst cleared the bases and sealed the win.

The Gaels jumped out to a four run lead early, scoring a run in the first, two in the second and another run in the third. The Gaels had no troubles getting runs off Bronco's starter Thain Simon, who went five complete, giving up nine hits, six runs, four earned, three walks and striking out six. The Gaels would add two more runs in the top of the fifth when designated hitter Justin Fazio hit his first collegiate homerun on a towering shot to right field that scored Ryan Mulligan.

Those last two runs would be it for the Gaels until the tenth as the Broncos relief pitching was extremely stingy. Alex Rivers and Mark Willinsky (4-2) would combine to throw four innings of shut out ball, allowing the Broncos to make their comeback and force extra innings.

On the mound for the Gaels, Brandon Berl threw well, getting through the first and second inning without any distress, but a four run third chanced the complexion of the game. On the day Berl went five complete, giving up six hits, four runs, two earned, two walks and three strike outs.

Offensively the story was the same as last night for the Gaels, they got plenty of hits, but were unable to bring in the necessary run, as they managed jus the eight runs off 14 hits, and once again left plenty of runners on base (12).

Kyle Jensen remains on his hot hitting ways, hitting everything in the strike zone, as he went 3-for-4; he's currently got a six game hitting streak going, and has raised his batting average to .431 on the season. Also collecting multiple hits was hot hitting Ryan Mulligan who went 2-for-4 with three RBI's and a run scored. Fazio went 3-for-6 with two runs scored and two knocked in. Joel Staples went 2-for-4 as well.

The two teams will play the final game of the series on Sunday with a 2:00 Pm first pitch at Schott Stadium in Santa Clara.