USF Baseball Completes WCC Sweep with 7-2 Win Against Saint Mary's :: Diamond Dons Score Six Runs in the Eighth

April 17, 2005

(San Francisco) - USF erupted for six unanswered runs in the eighth inning, securing a 7-2 West Coast Conference victory against Saint Mary's on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Benedetti Diamond. The Dons (26-12, 11-4 WCC) collect their third league sweep of the season against the Gaels (12-22, 6-12 WCC).

San Francisco struck first in the third inning as junior infielder Andrew Smith led of with a single, reached second on a sacrifice by sophomore catcher Jon Norfolk and scored on an RBI single by freshman shortstop Tavo Hall. Saint Mary's responded with a pair of runs in the fifth inning on an RBI single from junior infielder Adam Hicks and a squeeze bunt by senior catcher Stephen Foushee.

From there the game returned to a pitcher's duel as sophomore left-hander Scott Cousins surrendered just one hit to the Gaels following the fifth. Cousins pitched well, allowing two runs off six hits in 7.0 innings and struck out five. Junior right-hander Chris Mezzavilla (1-3) was strong until running into trouble in the eighth, allowing three runs off seven hits to go along with four strikeouts. Mezzavilla left the game with two on and no outs in the eighth.

Senior pinch-hitter Cy Donald led off the eighth with a single, followed by a double to deep left center from junior outfielder Jonnie Knoble, chasing the Saint Mary's starter. Hall then walked to load the bases and senior infielder Royce Fukuroku was hit by a pitch to drive in the tying run. The Dons were not done as sophomore designated hitter Daniel Morales collected an RBI on a groundout, followed by a two-run double to left from freshman outfielder Luke Sommer. Sophomore outfielder Lucas DeLong and Smith capped the scoring with RBI singles.

Senior right-handed pitcher T.J. Franco (3-3) collected the win in relief, allowing just one hit in 2.0 innings and struck out two.

Knoble and Smith each finished 2-for-4 and both collected their 10th stolen base of the year. Sommer finished 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while DeLong was also 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Senior designated hitter Adam Bellows led the way for the Gaels at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two doubles. Hicks and Foushee each drove in a run apiece for Saint Mary's.

USF continues its seven-game homestand Tuesday, April 19 against Sacramento State. First pitch against the Hornets is set for 3:00 PM at Benedetti Diamond.