SAN FRANCISCO  – USF got out to a hot start, scoring five runs over the first two innings, but the visiting San Diego Toreros didn't go down without a fight as USD evened the score at 6-6 with a five-run sixth before Nico Giarratano's go-ahead RBI single in the eighth helped the Dons fend off the Toreros in a 7-6 win at Benedetti Diamond on Saturday afternoon. 
 
The win clinches the second consecutive West Coast Conference series for the Dons after taking two of three from Gonzaga last weekend.
 
Giarratano drove in a pair of runs on the day, while Matt Sinatro, Dan James and Ryan Matranga each collected two hits apiece.
 
"We were really good against the starter offensively," said head coach Nino Giarratano. "We were in command early and then they came back and I think that's our nemesis - we're not getting those put-away runs yet, and we learned our lesson today. I'm really excited to see us get the series win at home in front of a great crowd. I think we're really starting to capture something here."
 
After San Diego (20-22, 7-10 WCC) rallied back with five runs in the top half of the sixth, the Dons were scoreless until Giarratano hit a 1-0 pitch on the ground through the left side to plate Blake Valley, who had a pinch-hit single to lead off the inning.
 
"Blake got on for us and Matty got another hit, so when I came up I just wanted to knock one through for the team," said the younger Giarratano on his go-ahead base hit. "I saw the fastball down 1-0 and I told myself, I'm swinging. He went fastball and I was lucky enough the get a barrel on it and it went through." 
 
Giarratano extended his team-best on-base streak to 15 games.
 
USF starter Thomas Ponticelli was showing good command and enjoying a nice rhythm before he ran into trouble in the sixth, surrendering five runs to help San Diego tie the game. Ponticelli ended up throwing six complete innings where he allowed all six runs on 12 hits with six strikeouts and a walk in the no-decision. 
 
"I thought Thomas [Ponticelli] was really good through the first four innings, but then he kind of stumbled there," said Nino Giarratano. "He actually threw the ball pretty well, but he got tired and left it up. We just left him in there too long. I wish I would have gotten him out of there with the lead and maybe we could have held it."
 
Junior right-hander Mack Meyer (2-1) came out of the bullpen to pick up the victory with 2.1 scoreless innings where he allowed just one hit, a two-out double to Kevin Collard in the top of the ninth.  
 
Daniel Gardner, Bryson Brigman and Riley Adams each had run-scoring base hits in San Diego's five-run sixth inning, while Jeff Houghtby doubled home a run as well.  
 
Adams helped San Diego get out to an early lead with a solo home run to left field off Ponticelli in the top of the first. 
 
First baseman Ross Puskarich and James each delivered RBI doubles in the first inning, putting USF ahead 2-1.  
 
USF (15-26, 9-8 WCC) took advantage of a throwing error by San Diego pitcher Nathan Kuchta in the bottom of the second when he threw wide of third trying to get Matranga on a bunt by Harrison Bruce. Bruce came around two batters later on a ground ball to second by Giarratano.     
 
USF chased Kuchta in the fourth after Kuchta allowed six runs (four earned) on three hits, while walking three and striking out a pair.
 
Lefty Nick Sprengel (2-7) was saddled with the loss in relief for the Toreros after he allowed Giarratano's go-ahead hit. Sprengel threw three innings where he allowed a run on five hits while striking out three.
 
Third baseman Allen Smoot laced a hanging curveball down the left field line to drive in a run in the bottom of the fourth.
 
The Toreros did not get their first runners in scoring position until in the fifth inning. Ponticelli issued his first walk of the game to Adams to load the bases, but wriggled out by striking out Roman Garcia on four pitches.
 
Brigman and Adams each drove in two runs with a pair of hits apiece, while Gardner and Collard enjoyed three-hit days for the Toreros.
 
 
NOTES: OF/IF Matt Sinatro extended his team-best hitting streak to 11 in a row with an infield single in the sixth inning.  
 
UP NEXT: The Dons and Toreros wrap up their three-game series on Sunday with first pitch slated for 1 p.m. from Benedetti Diamond. Junior righty James Kannenberg (4-3, 3.91) looks to earn his second victory in a row, while San Diego's starter is yet to be determined. The contest will be streamed live on TheW.tv and feature live stats at USFDons.com.