Arkansas edges Aztecs 2-0 in series opener

San Diego State sophomore right-hander Michael Cederoth was outstanding Thursday night at Arkansas, but the No. 16-ranked Razorbacks found a way to win in a 2-0 victory over the Aztecs in Fayetteville, Ark.

Cederoth (1-2) allowed just three hits, struck out a season-high seven and walked three over eight innings as he went the distance for SDSU.

The game hinged on two runs Arkansas scored in the third inning. A leadoff walk to Bret McAfee, who stole second, and a single by Jacob Mahan pu runners at the corners. Cederoth was on the verge of getting out of the inning unscathed when he struck out the next two batters. But a wild pitch allowed McAfee to score. Brian Anderson followed with an RBI double and that was that.

Arkansas (8-5) must have felt fortunate by game's end because after Anderson's hit Cederoth retired the next 16 batters he faced.

Unfortunately, the offense for SDSU (7-6) didn't provide any run support for its pitcher. The Aztecs were limited to six singles by three Arkansas pitchers. SDSU's best opportunity to score came in the third inning when they loaded the bases with one out. The threat was erased, however, when John Spirk grounded into an inning-ending double play.

The Aztecs picked up just two hits after the third inning. No player had more than one hit in the game, although Jake Romanski (single, walk) and Evan Potter (two walks) both reached base twice.

The four-game series was to continue Friday afternoon at Arkansas' Baum Stadium with junior right-hander Philip Walby (1-1) on the mound for the Aztecs.