May 11, 2008

Box Score

Fullerton, Calif. - Dustin Garneau was 3-for-3 with three RBI as No. 12 Cal State Fullerton defeated visiting Cal Poly 12-9 in the final game of the three-game set Sunday afternoon at Goodwin Field. With the win Fullerton wins its eighth straight weekend series and its seventh in league action.

The Titans were outhit by Cal Poly 15-14 on the day, but Fullerton took advantage of a season-high five Mustangs errors to improve to 32-17 overall and 15-6 in the Big West. Cal Poly drops to 23-26, 7-11.

Cory Arbiso did not have his best stuff on Sunday, surrendering seven runs on 11 hits including three home runs over six innings of work, but he did last long enough to earn his tenth straight win and improved to 10-2. Michael Morrison and Adam Jorgenson pitched the final three innings giving up two runs on four hits, with Jorgenson notching his eighth save of the year with two innings to close out the game.

After Cal Poly clawed back from a 7-2 deficit, and tied the game at seven with a three-run homer un by Josh Thomas in the top of the sixth, Fullerton punched back, scoring three in their half of the frame off losing pitcher Grant Theophilus (1-3). Gary Brown's third hit of the day was the game-winner, as he doubled home Erik Komatsu who was aboard on an error. Garneau later followed suit with a run-scoring fly ball, and Joe Scott hit drove in a run to cap the three-run inning.

The two teams traded a pair of runs each over the final two and a half innings with Fullerton scoring on on a solo home run from Jared Clark in the seventh, the other on a throwing error by the Mustang catcher with Garneau at third in the eighth.

Cal Poly got on the board first in the second inning as Adam Melker, aboard on a one-out-double, scored on Ryan Lee's triple. Kyle Smith followed with an RBI on a squeeze bunt that went for a hit, giving the Mustangs a brief 2-0 lead.

Fullerton plated three runs in the second and two in both the third and fourth innings, chasing starter Steven Fischback after just three innings. The Titans used five hits and two Cal Poly errors to jump on top 3-2 in the second, and never relinquished the lead.

Garneau and Brown each posted three hits on the afternoon to lead the Titans while Cal Poly's Ryan Lee led all players with a 4-for-4 performance. Fullerton's Brian Wilson and Christian Colon also added two hits apiece. Brown finished 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI and made a spectacular sliding catch in foul territory after a long run from left field in the top of the third.

Thomas hit a pair of homers on the afternoon and drove home a game-high four RBI for Cal Poly.

Only six of the Titans' 12 runs were earned for the Cal Poly pitching staff, courtesy of the defensive miscues, two coming from the catcher Thomas. Cal Poly used six arms Sunday in the losing effort.

Fullerton is set to play San Diego State May 15-17 at Goodwin Field. The Titans and Aztecs will be playing a Thursday, Friday Saturday set due to conflicts with Cal State Fullerton graduation ceremonies.