UC San Diego Scores Seven in Ninth to Beat Toros Baseball Team, 10-5
UCSD scores seven runs with two outs to take first game of three-game CCAA series
April 22, 2005

Complete Box Score

CARSON, Calif.--(April 22, 2005)--It appeared Cal State Dominguez Hills starting pitcher Jason Garcia (South Gate/South Gate HS) was cruising to his fifth win of the year until the floodgates opened up in the ninth against visiting UC San Diego. Down 5-3, the Tritons scored seven times, all with two outs, to come from behind and take the opening game of a three-game California Collegiate Athletic Association series Friday afternoon at Toro Field, 10-5.

Garcia looked strong allowing just three runs while scattering six hits through the first eight innings and took a 5-3 lead into the top of the ninth. But with two outs and two strikes on pinch hitter Chris Hom, Garcia hit Hom then walked Brian Trump to put runners on first and second. Toro lefty Ryan Owen (Riverside/W. Torrance HS) was summoned from the bullpen to try and notch his fourth save of the year, however Owen walked the bases loaded then gave up a 2-run single to SS Keith Hernandez to blow the save opportunity.

After an intentional walk to C David Morehead, Owen walked the go-ahead run in, throwing four consecutive balls to 1B Brian Robinson to make it 6-5. RHP Gary Scott (Redondo Beach/Redondo Union HS) came on to relieve Owen, and proceeded to give up consecutive two-run hits to OF Matt Lawson and 3B Alex Gascon for the eventual 10-5 score.

Ryan Leake (5-3), who came on in the eighth inning for UCSD, retired the Toros in order in the bottom of the ninth to earn the victory. Starter Logan Boutilier got a no-decision, but was sharp tossing the first 7.0 innings giving up three runs on seven hits and striking out seven.

The game was tied, 1-1, going into the top of the seventh when the Tritons scored twice to take a 3-1 lead. With two outs, Garcia hit 2B Ricky Pinocchio then walked CF Brad Beltz. LF David Gomez then hit a line drive that caromed off Garcia ankle into shallow right field scoring both runners.

But Cal State Dominguez Hills (20-25, 10-19 CCAA) put up four runs in the bottom of the eighth for a 5-3 cushion. That inning was highlighted with four consecutive hits to start the frame, including a 2-run single by 1B Ian Corso (Thousand Oaks/Thousand Oaks HS). 2B Houston Hernandez (La Mirada/St. Paul HS) added an RBI single for the 5-3 lead.

It looked as if Garcia would be able to finish the ninth for his first complete game of the season. However, his ankle was extremely swollen after being hit by the Gomez line drive in the seventh and could not continue. That brought on Owen, who did not record an out allowing four runs on one hit while walking three batters.

Hernandez finished with three hits for the Toros in the loss. Corso and 3B Chris Martinez (Torrance/So. Torrance HS) added two hits apiece.

For UC San Diego (25-15, 18-13 CCAA), Gascon drove in three runs on his 2-run single in the ninth and a sacrifice fly in the second. Robinson paced the squad at the plate with two hits, finishing 2 for 4 with an RBI.

These same two teams will conclude the weekend series with a twinbill tomorrow beginning at 11 AM.