March 1, 2011
Box Score
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The UC Davis baseball team overcame an early 6-1 lead from Sacramento State to get within two runs of the Hornets, but the Aggies came up just short as Sacramento State used a double play to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the ninth and claim a 6-4 win Tuesday at John Smith Field in Sacramento.
UC Davis drops to 2-6 overall while Sacramento State improved to 3-5. The loss is the third straight for the Aggies.
The Hornets scored six runs in the first two innings to take an early 6-1 lead, but UC Davis chipped away throughout the game.
In the third inning, Brett Morgan led off with a double to left field, reaching third on a throwing error by the Hornet left fielder David Del Grande, then coming home on a ground out by Justin Andrade.
In the seventh inning, the Aggies scored again with Scott Kalush doubling to center field, then scoring off a pinch hit single from CJ Blom. The Aggies nearly scored a second run after Ryan Allgrove, pinch running for Blom, reached third on a second Brett Morgan double, but Andrade struck out for the final out of the inning.
With the score now 6-3, Kalush's base hit up the middle scored Scott Lyman who had reached base with a single of his own to bring UC Davis within two runs.
In UC Davis' final at bat, Morgan and Daniel Cepin hit back-to-back singles, then David Popkins walked to load the bases with only one out. Lyman then stepped into the batter's box and hit a hard ground ball that was backhanded by Sacramento State pitcher Brett Sandoval. Sandoval tossed the ball to catcher Justin Lamb to get Morgan out at home, then Lamb threw out Lyman at first base to complete the double play and end the game.
Scotty Walker was given his first loss of the year after struggling early, giving up four runs on two hits in his first inning of work. He was replaced by Ryan Lucas who threw 2.2 innings, giving up two runs on two hits and striking out three Hornet Batters.
Popkins, Nathan Slater and Tom Briner also made appearances on the mound for UC Davis. Popkins gave up a double to start the fifth inning, but then held the Hornets hitless during his 2.2 innings of work. Briner also stifled the Sacramento State offense as he did not give up a hit and struck out two during his 1.1 innings of relief pitching.
Morgan led the Aggies offensively, hitting 3-for-5 with a run and two doubles, while Lyman was 2-for-5 and Kalush was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run.
For Sacramento State, Karl Maas earned the win, his first of the year, after giving up two runs on five hits in five complete innings. Sandoval clinched his first save, striking out two in two innings.
Kirby Young was 2-for-4 with the Hornets which included a two-run homer in the second inning.
UC Davis returns to Dobbins Stadium to host Fresno State in a three-game series beginning Friday at 2:30 p.m.
UC DAVIS 101 000 110 - 4 12 1
SACRAMENTO STATE 420 000 00X - 6 6 1
Scotty Walker, Ryan Lucas (2), David Popkins (4), Nathan Slater (7), Tom Briner (7) and Scott Kalush. Karl Maas, James Chamberlin (6), Brandon Sandoval (8) and Justin Lamb.
Win-Maas (1-0). Loss-Walker (0-1). Save-Sandoval (1).
Hitters: UC Davis- Brett Morgan, 3x5, 2 2B; Justine Andrade, 0x3, RBI; Daniel Cepin, 1x1; David Popkins, 1x3; Scott Lyman, 2x5; Paul Politi, 1x4, RBI; Scott Kalush, 2x4, 2B, RBI; Adam Young, 1x2; CJ Blom, 1x1, RBI. Sacramento State- Trevor Paine, 1x3; Kirby Young, 2x4, HR, 2RBI; Andrew Ayers, 2x3, 2B; Blake Miller, 0x3, RBI; Brent Hottman, 1x3, 2B, 3RBI.
