May 23, 2006

Box Score

Stockton, Calif. - A third inning error that led to three unearned runs proved to be too much for the Pacific Baseball team as the Tigers fell to California, 3-2, on Tuesday, May 23.

The loss dropped the Tigers to 27-24 on the season, while California moved to 26-25 overall.

All the scoring for California came in the third inning as with two outs and a runner on second, Golden Bears leadoff man Rob Nesbitt grounded a ball sharply towards third. Unfortunately for Pacific, the ball glanced off the glove and hip of Tiger senior Bob Saunders (Oakland, Calif.) allowing Mike Van Winden to score from second. The next two California batters doubled, including a two-run double by Chris Errecart, giving the Golden Bears a 3-0 lead.

The score remained 3-0 until the bottom of the eighth inning, when the Tigers mounted a rally. Senior Jake Ross (Friday Harbor, Wash.) led the inning off with a pinch hit single to left field. Senior Will Brindza (Sherwood, Ore.) followed with a single through the left side to put runners at first and second. One out later, senior Matt Berezay (Manteca, Calif.) drew a five pitch walk to load the bases for sophomore Justin Baum (La Mesa, Calif.). Baum laced a single into left field, plating both Ross and Brindza to pull the Tigers within a run at 3-2. The next Pacific batter, senior Anthony Jackson (Modesto, Calif.) lined a shot that was stabbed by California third baseman Allan Craig. The Golden Bears were able to double off Berezay at second base on the play, ending the Tigers' threat.

Pacific starter, senior Steve Spurgeon (Stockton, Calif.), was the tough luck loser (3-1) as he allowed three unearned runs on four hits and three walks in seven innings.

California starter, Tyson Ross (6-4), picked up the win, tossing six innings of scoreless ball. Ross allowed just three hits and one walk. Scott Gorgen picked up his second save with two scoreless innings of relief.

The Tigers will be back in action tomorrow, Wednesday, May 24 as Pacific hosts Stanford at 2 p.m. at Klein Family Field.