Box Score
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The University of San Francisco Diamond Dons (7-9) nearly completed the unexpected, falling a run short of sweeping No. 3 Oregon State (16-1) in a two-game series.
After cutting the lead to 6-5 in the seventh, the Dons had runners at first and second with one out in the ninth before second baseman
Jason Mahood grounded into a double play to end the game.
The Dons didn't waste any time getting on the scoreboard, plating a pair of runs in the first inning for the fifth consecutive game on a Zachary Turner single and a passed ball. USF cut a 6-3 deficit to one run un the seventh, scoring a pair on a two-out error by the Oregon State centerfielder, but could get no closer.
The Dons rapped out 10 hits, nine by four of the first five batters in the lineup –
Justin Maffei, Mahood, Zachary Turner and
Bradley Zimmer.
Turner was 2-4, raising his average to .429 on the season, and Zimmer had two hits, extending his hitting streak to eight games having gone 14-for-30 over that span.
The Dons used seven pitchers in the loss, including starter
Andrew Pulido, who went 2.1 innings giving up three runs.
“We played very well tonight,” said Dons Head Coach
Nino Giarratano. “Well enough to win the game. We had 10 hits, five line drive outs, put up a zero in the error column, and pitched great out of the bullpen. I'm really proud of how the kids are playing on the road. We could have been better in certain situations at the plate and on the base paths, but we've done our best to prepare ourselves for the WCC run. We will face the best left-hand pitcher in the country Friday and continue to compete on this road trip. Our fans have travelled well, and we thank them for their support.”
The Dons begin West Coast Conference play Friday at Gonzaga. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Inside the Numbers
Bradley Zimmer is 14-for-30 and Zachary Turner 13-for-31 and have hit safely in each of the last eight games.
Turner has hit safely in 14 of the Dons 16 games this season.
Line of the Game
Leadoff hitter
Justin Maffei and No. 2-hitter
Jason Mahood
Maffei – 3-for-5, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases
Mahood – 2-for-5, 2 runs
