FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State baseball team snapped its four-game losing streak with a gritty 3-2 victory over Sacramento State on Tuesday night at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.
The Bulldogs improved to 6-10 on the season with conference play set to begin this weekend.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game opened as a pitching duel, with both teams held scoreless in the first inning. Sacramento State struck first in the second inning, scoring two runs off Bulldogs' starter Victor Arreola. However, the Diamond 'Dogs responded in the bottom of the inning, with Justin Stransky's RBI single narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
The momentum shifted in the third inning when Fresno State tied the score at 2-2. Murf Gray drove in the tying run with a well-placed sacrifice fly. The teams then engaged in a defensive battle, as Fresno State's relievers, including Kaleb Hay and Drew Townson, stifled the Hornets' offense.
An RBI single from Bobby Blandford in the seventh inning produced what proved to be the game-winning run. Townson kept the Hornets at bay, securing the 3-2 victory for the Bulldogs.
NOTES
Relief pitchers Kaleb Hay and Drew Townson each recorded career-high strikeouts, with five and three respectively.
On the mound, the Bulldogs combined for 10 strikeouts, marking the sixth game this season where Bulldog pitchers have recorded 10 or more strikeouts.
Bobby Blandford had two hits against Sac State and has recorded at least one hit in seven consecutive games.
UP NEXT
The Diamond 'Dogs will kick off Mountain West conference play on Friday night at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium at 6:05 p.m.