Titans Drop a Nail-Biter in Season Opener at Stanford :: Roemer goes seven, Tripp get three hits, but Titans fall 2-1 to the Cardinal.

Feb. 3, 2006

Palo Alto, Calif. - Pinch-hitter Brendan Domararcki shot a bases-loaded single past a diving Bryan Harris in the bottom of the ninth to give Stanford a 2-1 win over No. 5 Cal State Fullerton Friday night at Sunken Diamond.

The single spoiled the Titans' season opener, dropping them to 0-1 to start off 2006, while it lifted the Cardinal to 1-0. The Titans fall to 2-13 in Palo Alto since 1996.

The two teams took a 1-1 tie into the bottom of the ninth inning, with the Titans going down 1-2-3 in their half of the inning. The Cardinal took advantage of a leadoff triple by right fielder Michael Taylor in the bottom of the ninth, setting up a sticky situation for the Titans.

Titan reliever Dustin Miller (0-1), who allowed the triple, then intentionally walked the next two hitters to load the bases, setting up a force at any base. Miller was immediately lifted for Titan reliever Vinnie Pestano who immediately retired Chris Lewis (who popped to first base), setting up Domararcki's game-winner.

The game was a pitcher's duel with both starters going about 7 innings. Sophomore starter Wes Roemer went seven innings surrendering just four hits and a run. He also fanned eight Cardinal (including four of the last five he faced), without issuing a walk before being lifted for Miller.

Miller made an impressive first outing since 2003. The 2003 freshman all-american has missed the past two seasons with a pair of season-ending arm surgeries.

Stanford's starter Greg Reynolds went 6.2 innings allowing eight Titan hits while surrendering just one run, an RBI double by Brandon Tripp in the third inning. He also struck out three Titans without issuing a walk.

Tripp led all hitters with a 3-for-3 night. Taylor led the Cardinal offense with a pair of hits.

The two teams will face off again tomorrow afternoon, with sophomore Jared Clark starting on the hill for the Titans, and Matt Manship for the Cardinal. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Listen to the game on fullertontitans.com or on KSPA am 1510, as both Saturday and Sunday afternoon's affairs will be simulcast.