Feb. 12, 2006

Box Score

Fullerton, Calif. - Chris Saddoris (1-1) balked home Bryan Harris with the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning, leading Cal State Fullerton to a three-game sweep over UNLV, 3-1, Sunday afternoon at Goodwin Field.

The Titans evened their overall record at 3-3 with the win and improved to 20-2 all time versus the Rebels at home. UNLV falls to 1-5.

Lauren Gagnier (1-1) held the Rebels to one run over 6.2 innings, earning his first victory of 2006. The righty struck out two, scattering five hits before being lifted in the seventh for reliever Ryan Paul. Paul faced just one batter, pinch hitter Kieth Smith, who walked, before closer Vinnie Pestano was brought in to finish the game.

UNLV struck first in the second inning when after a double by Ryan Bird, catcher Braden Walker singled him home giving the Rebels a brief 1-0 lead.

Fullerton bounced right back in their half of the second inning as outfielders Danny Dorn and Jared Clark had back-to-back singles to start things off. Dorn then moved to third on a flyball to right by Evan McArthur, immediately scoring on a Cory safety squeeze, to tying the game at one run apiece.

It wasn't until the bottom of the sixth that another run was scored. Te Titans' designated hitter Harris led of the Titan rally with a walk, moving over one batter later on a Dorn sacrifice bunt. Harris then scampered to third on an error by the Rebel shortstop Mike Cruz, who missed a Saddoris pick off attempt at second. Just two pitches later, UNLV starter Saddoris balked home the deciding run, giving the Titans a short 2-1 lead. Saddoris.

Fullerton added a final run as right fielder Jared Clark and third baseman McArthur blasted back-to-back-doubles (Clark's missed a home run by about a foot) boosting the score to its eventual 3-1 final. Saddoris, who gave up all three Titan runs over his six innings of work, picked up the loss.

Pestano, who had not seen the mound all weekend, pitched the final 2.1 innings in relief, picking up his first save. He struck out three allowing just a lone hit to Chris Bonnell in the eighth inning.

Cal State Fullerton will return to action Friday night as they will start a split three-game non-conference series with UC Irvine. The two teams will meet up at Anteater Ballpark Friday night for a 6 p.m. start then move back to Goodwin Field Saturday and Sunday for 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. first pitches respectively. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available by calling (714) 278-CSUF or by visiting fullertontitans.com.