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Three-run ninth allows Bulldogs to erase two-run deficit
Source: goaztecs.com
Photo: Julian Escobedo's two-run single gave the Aztecs a late 7-5 lead. Courtesy goaztecs.com
March 26, 2017 (Fresno) - Fresno State rallied for three runs in the bottom of the final inning to overcome a two-run deficit and defeat San Diego State 8-7 to capture the final game of their weekend series after the Aztecs had won the opening pair of contests.
With the loss, SDSU’s record dropped to 16-8 overall and 6-3 in the Mountain West. They now sit alone in second place in the league standings, one game ahead of both the Bulldogs and San Jose State.
The win for FSU, meanwhile upped their season marks to 13-10 overall and 5-4 in conference play.
The Aztecs opened Sunday’s contest with a four-run outburst in the opening inning. Those runs came on five hits and a Bulldog error. RBI in the frame went to Danny Sheehan, Jordan Verdon and Tyler Adkison with the fourth coming on the Fresno miscue.
The home side, however, was quick to respond, getting a three-run homer in the bottom of the opening frame and adding one more in the third to tie the contest at 4-4. Those FSU runs came against SDSU senior Cody Thompson, who departed the game after 3.1 innings pitched having allowed the four runs on five hits with three walks and two strikeouts.
The score remained tied until the top of the seventh when the Aztecs pushed across a run on a pair of walks, a passed ball and wild pitch that allowed Verdon to score the go-ahead run.
SDSU’s 5-4 lead didn’t last long, however, as FSU’s Carter Bins hit a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth to tie the contest.
The Aztecs broke the tie in their next at bat as they scored twice in the top of the ninth to take a 7-5 lead. Verdon singled to lead off the frame followed by a walk to Adkison. Both runners moved up a base on a passed ball before freshman Julian Escobedo delivered a one-out single up the middle to drive home both runners.
The game was far from over though as Fresno State scored three times in the bottom of the ninth against three Aztec pitchers to pull out the victory. A double and single to open the inning against Saylor made it a 7-6 contest at which time Marcus Reyes was called on in relief.
The senior left-hander walked the only batter he faced before giving way to right-hander Ray Lambert. An infield error and fielder’s choice allowed the Bulldogs to score their final two runs for the 8-7 victory. Reyes (0-2) was charged with the loss as the batter that he walked would eventually score the winning run.
Up next for the Aztecs is a trip to Los Angeles this week for a contest against USC on Tuesday, March 28, at 6:00 p.m. at the Trojans’ Dedeaux Field. They then return home for a three-game conference series against San Jose State next weekend at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
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