San Diego State played another tightly-contested game with No. 19-ranked Arkansas, but the Razorbacks prevailed 4-3 on Friday night with a walk-off homer by Joe Serrano with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning before a crowd of 3,375 in Fayetteville, Ark.
The Aztecs (7-7) were tied or had the lead up until the final swing. Left fielder Matt Munoz gave SDSU a 2-0 lead in the second inning with a two-run homer, the sophomore's first career home run. The Aztecs would load the bases later in the inning, but did not score again.
Arkansas (9-5) tied the game in the third inning when SDSU starting pitcher Philip Walby allowed a walk and a single, with both runners eventually scoring on a pair of wild pitches.
SDSU took a 3-2 lead in the fifth when Brad Haynal's double followed Tim Zier's single to put runners at second and third. Jake Romanski followed one out later with an RBI single. Arkansas made it 3-3 with a run in the seventh when Tyler Spoon singled off reliever Justin Hepner to bring home teammate Jacob Mahon.
Arkansas reliever Jalen Beeks (2-0) picked up the win in relief, limiting the Aztecs to one hit while striking out three over the final 2.2 innings. Evan Potter was the only SDSU player with more than one hit, collecting two of the Aztecs' seven hits.
Hepner came on in the seventh for Walby, who allowed six hits and three runs over 6.1 innings with four walks and three strikeouts. Hepner (0-1) pitched effectively into the ninth, allowing one hit and striking out two before Serrano got him for the home run. Hepner got a strikeout and a groundout in the ninth before Serrano's ball cleared the fence in left field at Baum Stadium.
The four-game series concludes Saturday with a doubleheader, necessitated because of poor weather predicted for Sunday. SDSU senior right-hander Ryan Doran (2-1) is the scheduled starter for the Aztecs in the first game. The starter for the second game has not been announced.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
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.
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.
This Weekend: Aztecs (7-5) at Arkansas (7-5)
No trip, no opponent, no setting will test San Diego State more than what awaits the Aztecs this weekend.
SDSU travels into SEC country for four games against Arkansas, a team that reached the College World Series last season and opened this season ranked No. 1 in the nation. The Razorbacks play at Baum Stadium, where they averaged 7,924 fans a game last season. That ranked second only to LSU in average attendance.
"I don't know if you can prepare them for what we're going to go through," said SDSU coach Tony Gwynn. "SEC flavor, big crowds, hootin' and hollerin.' It's going to be tough for our guys to tune that out, but we'll see. ... "We don't get that environment very often on the West Coast, so you're going to be tested."
"They're going home and looking to get things back on track," said Gwynn. "For us, we have to put runs on the board and give our pitchers something to work with. If we can do that, I like the way we're playing."
This week's schedule (San Diego time), probable pitching matchups and other items of interest:
Thursday — SDSU RHP Michael Cederoth (1-1, 2.60) vs. Arkansas LHP Colin Poche (1-0, 0.00), 3:05 p.m.
Friday — SDSU RHP Philip Walby (1-1, 1.12) vs. Arkansas RHP Ryne Stanek (1-1, 2.84), 1:05 p.m.
Saturday (DH) — SDSU RHP Ryan Doran (2-1, 3.32) vs. Arkansas RHP Trey Killian (1-1, 1.29), 9:35 a.m. p.m.
SDSU TBA vs. Arkansas LHP Randall Fant (0-0, 2.25), TBA
AZTECS LINEUP
Catchers Jake Romanski (5-of-14) and Brad Haynal (5-of-8) have cut down 10-of-22 would-be base stealers. Romanski is on a hot streak at the plate, batting .529 (9-for-17) in last week's five games. The senior's nine-game hitting streak leads the team. Sophomore center fielder Greg Allen has two four-hit games already this season. He leads the team in hits (18), runs (13) and stolen bases (5). First baseman John Spirk is batting .360 during a seven-game hitting streak. Spirk is batting .455 (5-for-11) with runners in scoring position, second on the team to second baseman Tim Zier's .467 (7-for-15). Freshman third baseman Ty France clubbed the team's only home run last week against Seton Hall.
AZTECS ON THE MOUND
Sophomore Michael Cederoth has recorded six strikeouts in each of his three starts. Junior Philip Walby lowered his ERA to 1.12 last week with five shutout innings against Seton Hall. Senior Ryan Doran picked up his second win after limiting the Pirates to two runs over 7.2 innings. Freshman closer Bubba Derby ranks among the national leaders with four saves. He has made six relief appearances, covering nine innings with 13 of the 27 outs recorded by strikeout.
NOTABLE
— Arkansas dropped from No. 2 to No. 19 in the nation after losing four straight games last weekend. The Aztecs and Arkansas met last season at Tony Gwynn Stadium, with the Razorbacks winning three of the four games in the series.
— The Razorbacks are averaging .285 as a team, with an offense led by OF Tyler Spoon (.391, 2 HR, 15 RBI), Brian Anderson (.357, 7 RBI), Joe Serrano (.306, 5 RBI) and Jake Wise (.256, 9 RBI).
— The Arkansas pitching staff has a team ERA of 1.82, which ranks eighth in the nation. Junior Ryne Stanek is among the nation's top prospects after going 8-4 with a 2.82 ERA last season.
— SDSU remains on the road after returning from Arkansas, playing a Tuesday game at UC Irvine before opening Mountain West Conference play with a three-game series at Fresno State.
SDSU travels into SEC country for four games against Arkansas, a team that reached the College World Series last season and opened this season ranked No. 1 in the nation. The Razorbacks play at Baum Stadium, where they averaged 7,924 fans a game last season. That ranked second only to LSU in average attendance.
"I don't know if you can prepare them for what we're going to go through," said SDSU coach Tony Gwynn. "SEC flavor, big crowds, hootin' and hollerin.' It's going to be tough for our guys to tune that out, but we'll see. ... "We don't get that environment very often on the West Coast, so you're going to be tested."
Arkansas is in the midst of a four-game losing streak after falling twice to Arizona State and once to Gonzaga and UOP at the Coca-Cola Classic in Surprise, Ariz., so the Razorbacks are expected to be extra focused coming into the series that begins Thursday evening in Fayetteville.
"They're going home and looking to get things back on track," said Gwynn. "For us, we have to put runs on the board and give our pitchers something to work with. If we can do that, I like the way we're playing."
This week's schedule (San Diego time), probable pitching matchups and other items of interest:
Thursday — SDSU RHP Michael Cederoth (1-1, 2.60) vs. Arkansas LHP Colin Poche (1-0, 0.00), 3:05 p.m.
Friday — SDSU RHP Philip Walby (1-1, 1.12) vs. Arkansas RHP Ryne Stanek (1-1, 2.84), 1:05 p.m.
Saturday (DH) — SDSU RHP Ryan Doran (2-1, 3.32) vs. Arkansas RHP Trey Killian (1-1, 1.29), 9:35 a.m. p.m.
SDSU TBA vs. Arkansas LHP Randall Fant (0-0, 2.25), TBA
AZTECS LINEUP
Catchers Jake Romanski (5-of-14) and Brad Haynal (5-of-8) have cut down 10-of-22 would-be base stealers. Romanski is on a hot streak at the plate, batting .529 (9-for-17) in last week's five games. The senior's nine-game hitting streak leads the team. Sophomore center fielder Greg Allen has two four-hit games already this season. He leads the team in hits (18), runs (13) and stolen bases (5). First baseman John Spirk is batting .360 during a seven-game hitting streak. Spirk is batting .455 (5-for-11) with runners in scoring position, second on the team to second baseman Tim Zier's .467 (7-for-15). Freshman third baseman Ty France clubbed the team's only home run last week against Seton Hall.
AZTECS ON THE MOUND
Sophomore Michael Cederoth has recorded six strikeouts in each of his three starts. Junior Philip Walby lowered his ERA to 1.12 last week with five shutout innings against Seton Hall. Senior Ryan Doran picked up his second win after limiting the Pirates to two runs over 7.2 innings. Freshman closer Bubba Derby ranks among the national leaders with four saves. He has made six relief appearances, covering nine innings with 13 of the 27 outs recorded by strikeout.
NOTABLE
— Arkansas dropped from No. 2 to No. 19 in the nation after losing four straight games last weekend. The Aztecs and Arkansas met last season at Tony Gwynn Stadium, with the Razorbacks winning three of the four games in the series.
— The Razorbacks are averaging .285 as a team, with an offense led by OF Tyler Spoon (.391, 2 HR, 15 RBI), Brian Anderson (.357, 7 RBI), Joe Serrano (.306, 5 RBI) and Jake Wise (.256, 9 RBI).
— The Arkansas pitching staff has a team ERA of 1.82, which ranks eighth in the nation. Junior Ryne Stanek is among the nation's top prospects after going 8-4 with a 2.82 ERA last season.
— SDSU remains on the road after returning from Arkansas, playing a Tuesday game at UC Irvine before opening Mountain West Conference play with a three-game series at Fresno State.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Aztecs complete sweep of Seton Hall with 6-2 win
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Senior right-hander Ryan Doran does not possess the velocity of teammates Michael Cederoth and Philip Walby, the starting pitchers who precede him on the mound each weekend. But Doran finds ways to be successful nonetheless.
Doran kept Seton Hall off balance throughout the afternoon Sunday at Tony Gwynn Stadium, helping the Aztecs to a 6-2 victory and a sweep of the three-game series with the Pirates.
"We wanted to get back on track," said SDSU coach Tony Gwynn, whose team was swept at home in a four-game series last week against Oregon State. "I thought we did a better job competing. This weekend we were putting the bat on the ball. We weren't as anxious as we had been. We were much better."
Seton Hall (0-8), after losing the first two games of the series while still searching for the season's first win, went to the bullpen quickly. The Aztecs (7-5) loaded the bases with no outs in the second inning — on a single by Jake Romanski and walks to Brad Haynal and Ty France — and Seton Hall coach Rob Sheppard immediately replaced starting pitcher Jose Lopez (0-1).
Reliever Josh Prevost retired SDSU's Steven Pallares on an infield fly before Avondre Bollar hit a sacrifice fly to give the Aztecs a 1-0 lead. SDSU shortstop Evan Potter then lined a two-strike pitch over the head of Seton Hall left fielder Ryan Sullivan for a two-run double and a 3-0 lead.
It was a big hit for Potter, who came into the series just 1-for-25 on the season. The slow start prompted Gwynn to pull Potter aside earlier in the week and put the junior's mind at ease.
"Coach Gwynn talked to me and said 'Stop pressing,' " said Potter. "He said that I was going to be the everyday shortstop and just do what I do."
Potter collected three hits in Saturday's 10-4 win over the Pirates, and he was hoping he got enough of the ball in the second inning to add another hit.
"I was running down the first base line just muttering to myself, hoping it got over his head," said Potter. "When it did, it felt great."
The Aztecs boosted their lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning when Greg Allen's single brought Pallares home from third base. SDSU would add two runs in the eighth inning, but it already was plenty of offense for Doran (2-1), who allowed two runs, scattered eight hits and struck out six with two walks over 7.2 innings.
Doran took charge from the first pitch, worked rapidly on the mound and responded each time the Pirates threatened to get back in the game.
"I have to do the little things right since I don't throw as hard," said Doran. "I know that pace of game is important, especially for my defense. ... It's easier pitching with a lead. You can get ahead of guys a lot easier when the offense is kicking in. You just go after them."
Doran allowed two hits in the second inning, then retired 10 straight hitters before walking Seton Hall's Alex Falconi with two outs in the fifth inning. Doran came right back and struck out D.J. Ruhlman to end the inning.
It appeared Seton Hall might make a game of it in the sixth inning when the Pirates' Zack Granite led off with a double and teammate Mike Genovese followed with a triple just inside the first-base bag to make it 4-1. A one-out walk to Giuseppe Papaccio put runners on the corners, but Doran picked off Papaccio moments later for the second out.
The play brought Sheppard down from the third base coaches box to argue with home plate umpire Ron Ridd. Sheppard was ejected after some discussion. When play resumed, Doran got Falconi to hit a foul popup to Romanski behind the plate that ended the inning.
"Ryan pitched great," said Gwynn. "He's not going to blow you away. He's just going to pitch. He worked both halves of the plate, mixed in his curveball and change-up and kept them off balance. ... He's a perfect Sunday guy because he's a strike thrower. When you throw strikes, guys are going to want to swing the bats. They outhit us today (nine hits to SDSU's six hits), but we made enough plays behind him and put enough runs on the board to get him a W."
Doran remained in control into the eighth inning before Seton Hall scored a two-out run that made it 4-2. At that point, the Aztcs turned to freshman closer Bubba Derby to get the final four outs. Derby struck out Papaccio looking to end the eighth. In the ninth, he got two quick outs before Seton Hall's Zack Weigel singled to left. No matter. Derby went right after Falconi and got a popup to the infield to end the gave and pick up his fourth save.
The Aztecs now embark on the most challenging road trip of the season. They open a four-game series Thursday at Arkansas, which opened the season as the top-ranked team in the nation.
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| Ryan Doran picks up his second victory. |
"We wanted to get back on track," said SDSU coach Tony Gwynn, whose team was swept at home in a four-game series last week against Oregon State. "I thought we did a better job competing. This weekend we were putting the bat on the ball. We weren't as anxious as we had been. We were much better."
Seton Hall (0-8), after losing the first two games of the series while still searching for the season's first win, went to the bullpen quickly. The Aztecs (7-5) loaded the bases with no outs in the second inning — on a single by Jake Romanski and walks to Brad Haynal and Ty France — and Seton Hall coach Rob Sheppard immediately replaced starting pitcher Jose Lopez (0-1).
Reliever Josh Prevost retired SDSU's Steven Pallares on an infield fly before Avondre Bollar hit a sacrifice fly to give the Aztecs a 1-0 lead. SDSU shortstop Evan Potter then lined a two-strike pitch over the head of Seton Hall left fielder Ryan Sullivan for a two-run double and a 3-0 lead.
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| Evan Potter's two-run double provides big lift. |
"Coach Gwynn talked to me and said 'Stop pressing,' " said Potter. "He said that I was going to be the everyday shortstop and just do what I do."
Potter collected three hits in Saturday's 10-4 win over the Pirates, and he was hoping he got enough of the ball in the second inning to add another hit.
"I was running down the first base line just muttering to myself, hoping it got over his head," said Potter. "When it did, it felt great."
The Aztecs boosted their lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning when Greg Allen's single brought Pallares home from third base. SDSU would add two runs in the eighth inning, but it already was plenty of offense for Doran (2-1), who allowed two runs, scattered eight hits and struck out six with two walks over 7.2 innings.
Doran took charge from the first pitch, worked rapidly on the mound and responded each time the Pirates threatened to get back in the game.
"I have to do the little things right since I don't throw as hard," said Doran. "I know that pace of game is important, especially for my defense. ... It's easier pitching with a lead. You can get ahead of guys a lot easier when the offense is kicking in. You just go after them."
Doran allowed two hits in the second inning, then retired 10 straight hitters before walking Seton Hall's Alex Falconi with two outs in the fifth inning. Doran came right back and struck out D.J. Ruhlman to end the inning.
It appeared Seton Hall might make a game of it in the sixth inning when the Pirates' Zack Granite led off with a double and teammate Mike Genovese followed with a triple just inside the first-base bag to make it 4-1. A one-out walk to Giuseppe Papaccio put runners on the corners, but Doran picked off Papaccio moments later for the second out.
The play brought Sheppard down from the third base coaches box to argue with home plate umpire Ron Ridd. Sheppard was ejected after some discussion. When play resumed, Doran got Falconi to hit a foul popup to Romanski behind the plate that ended the inning.
"Ryan pitched great," said Gwynn. "He's not going to blow you away. He's just going to pitch. He worked both halves of the plate, mixed in his curveball and change-up and kept them off balance. ... He's a perfect Sunday guy because he's a strike thrower. When you throw strikes, guys are going to want to swing the bats. They outhit us today (nine hits to SDSU's six hits), but we made enough plays behind him and put enough runs on the board to get him a W."
Doran remained in control into the eighth inning before Seton Hall scored a two-out run that made it 4-2. At that point, the Aztcs turned to freshman closer Bubba Derby to get the final four outs. Derby struck out Papaccio looking to end the eighth. In the ninth, he got two quick outs before Seton Hall's Zack Weigel singled to left. No matter. Derby went right after Falconi and got a popup to the infield to end the gave and pick up his fourth save.
The Aztecs now embark on the most challenging road trip of the season. They open a four-game series Thursday at Arkansas, which opened the season as the top-ranked team in the nation.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Aztecs get offensive in 10-4 win over Seton Hall
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego State enjoyed its biggest offensive day of the season in Saturday afternoon's 10-4 victory over Seton Hall.
The Aztecs (6-5) tallied all 10 runs over the game's first five innings, scoring at least one run in each frame against the Pirates (0-7).
SDSU's corner infielders made the biggest impact at the plate. First baseman John Spirk had two hits and three RBI and third baseman Ty France hit the team's first home run of the season and also had three RBI. Shortstop Evan Potter contibuted three of the team's 13 hits.
The offensive output was quite a contrast for SDSU junior right-hander Philip Walby, who pitched well for the third straight start. Walby was on the short end of a 2-0 score last week against Oregon State, though he allowed one earned run in 7.2 innings against the Beavers. Walby (1-1) went one better against Seton Hall, shutting out the Pirates over the game's first five innings. He allowed four hits, walked four and struck out two before handing the game over to the bullpen in the sixth inning.
The Aztecs opened the scoring in the first inning when Jake Romanski's single to left field scored teammate Greg Allen. SDSU chased Seton Hall starting pitcher Anthony Elia (0-1) during a four-run second inning highlighted by Spirk's two-run single. Tim Zier walked to force in the first run of the inning. Brad Haynal's sacrifice fly to center field brought home the run that made it 5-0.
France's two-run home run to right field was the big blow in a three-run third inning that included an RBI single by Zier. The Aztecs added single runs in the fourth — on France's infield groundout — and fifth — on Spirk's single up the middle — to reach double figures. SDSU's highest-scoring game before Saturday had come in the Aztecs' 8-1 season-opening victory two weeks ago at USD.
Allen scored three runs for the second straight game and remains SDSU's top hitter at .370. Spirk's two hits boosted his average to .364. Romanski also had two hits and is now batting .343.
Seton Hall finally scored in the seventh inning off reliever Mitch Bluman. Tyler Sapp pitched a scoreless eighth before the Pirates collected three runs in the ninth against Cody Thompson.
The teams conclude the three-game series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Senior right-hander Ryan Doran (1-1, 3.97) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Aztecs.
The Aztecs (6-5) tallied all 10 runs over the game's first five innings, scoring at least one run in each frame against the Pirates (0-7).
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| Ty France smacks team's first homer. |
The offensive output was quite a contrast for SDSU junior right-hander Philip Walby, who pitched well for the third straight start. Walby was on the short end of a 2-0 score last week against Oregon State, though he allowed one earned run in 7.2 innings against the Beavers. Walby (1-1) went one better against Seton Hall, shutting out the Pirates over the game's first five innings. He allowed four hits, walked four and struck out two before handing the game over to the bullpen in the sixth inning.
The Aztecs opened the scoring in the first inning when Jake Romanski's single to left field scored teammate Greg Allen. SDSU chased Seton Hall starting pitcher Anthony Elia (0-1) during a four-run second inning highlighted by Spirk's two-run single. Tim Zier walked to force in the first run of the inning. Brad Haynal's sacrifice fly to center field brought home the run that made it 5-0.
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| Philip Walby lowers his ERA to 1.12. |
Allen scored three runs for the second straight game and remains SDSU's top hitter at .370. Spirk's two hits boosted his average to .364. Romanski also had two hits and is now batting .343.
Seton Hall finally scored in the seventh inning off reliever Mitch Bluman. Tyler Sapp pitched a scoreless eighth before the Pirates collected three runs in the ninth against Cody Thompson.
The teams conclude the three-game series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Senior right-hander Ryan Doran (1-1, 3.97) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Aztecs.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Aztecs beat Seton Hall 4-3 on Haynal's hit (by pitch)
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| SDSU players sing the fight song following victory over Seton Hall. |
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Aztecs sing the school's fight song in front of their dugout after each home victory. The team's first opportunity to do so this year came Friday night after DH Brad Haynal was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning, forcing home the winning run in SDSU's 4-3 victory over Seton Hall at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
SDSU (5-5) began the winning rally against Seton Hall (0-6) when Greg Allen opened the inning with a single to left field. Teammate Tim Zier followed with a single to right to put runners at the corners, so the Pirates intentionally walked John Spirk to load the bases. Haynal took it from there, taking one for the team from Pirates pitcher Brian Gilbert (0-2).
Freshman closer Bubba Derby (1-0) picked up his first collegiate victory. Derby had to work for it. In the ninth, he stranded runners at second and third when he struck out Seton Hall's Tyler Boyd to end the inning. An inning earlier, Derby had to give a tip of the cap to Allen, threw out Seton Hall's Kyle Grimm at the plate to prevent the Pirates from taking the lead.
It was senior first baseman Spirk, making the most of his opportunity to start, who sparked the Aztecs in the early going. Spirk drove in the Aztecs' first two runs with an infield single in the first inning and a sacrifice fly to center field in the third.
It wasn't as if Spirk was going to be buried on the bench this season, but it is safe to say his playing time was going to be limited. Then sophomore Ryan Muno, the Aztecs' starter at first base coming into the year, suffered a broken right hand one week into the season. That pressed Spirk into service, in a platoon with teammate Mitch Blumen. Spirk has responded by going 6-for-17 (.353) over the past seven games.
Seton Hall made it 2-1 with a run in the fifth, but the Aztecs got that back in the sixth when Allen singled home a run to make it 3-1.
SDSU starting pitcher Michael Cederoth was cruising at that point, but his pitches were adding up and he came out of the game with one out in the seventh. Seton Hall rallied for two runs after Cederoth departed to make it 3-3.
Reliever Mike RoBards walked the first two hitters he faced in the seventh to load the bases. RoBards got a strikeout for the inning's second out, then was replaced by teammate Ethan Miller, who allowed a run-scoring single and a walk that forced in another run.
Cederoth allowed five hits, was charged with two earned runs, struck out six and walked four in 6.1 innings. Derby allowed three hits in his two innings, with a walk and a strikeout.
Allen boosted his team-leading batting average to .372 with three hits. He also scored three runs and stole two bases.
The teams continue the three-game series Saturday at 1 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Junior right-hander Philip Walby is the scheduled starter for SDSU.
This weekend: Seton Hall (0-5) at Aztecs (4-5)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — There may be a temptation to take Seton Hall lightly, given the Pirates' winless record to open the season. But two of the team's five losses came against one of the top-ranked teams in the nation — North Carolina — and the other three defeats were against a team — East Tennessee State — that is batting nearly .300 in the early going.
The Aztecs just put a five-game losing streak behind them with Wednesday's 7-4 win at Santa Clara, however, so they shouldn't exactly be looking past the Pirates — even if next week brings a four-game series at top-ranked Arkansas.
First things first. How about building a little momentum before heading into the heart of the SEC?
This week's schedule, probable pitching matchups and other items of interest:
Friday — Seton Hall RHP Jon Prosinski (0-2, 6.00) vs. SDSU RHP Michael Cederoth (1-1, 2.45), 6 p.m.
Saturday — Seton Hall LHP Anthony Elia (0-0, 3.60) vs. SDSU RHP Philip Walby (0-1, 1.64), 1 p.m.
Sunday — Seton Hall TBA vs. SDSU RHP Ryan Doran (1-1, 3.97), 1 p.m.
AZTECS LINEUP
Most of SDSU's offense has come from three players — catcher Brad Haynal (.351, 5 RBI), center fielder Greg Allen (.333, 5 RBI, 7 R) and second baseman Tim Zier (.263, 8 RBI). ... Senior first baseman John Spirk, given an opportunity after the injury to Ryan Muno (broken hand), has responded by going 5-for-14 (.357). ... Be nice to see SDSU get the running game going this weekend. The Aztecs have stolen just six bases (in 12 attempts) in nine games. ... Freshman Ty France earned the starting spot at third base with his defensive play, although France has four of the team's eight errors in the early going. His batting average has dipped to .194, but it's still early enough that three or four hits this weekend would give him a big boost. ... Word for the weekend: Relax.
ON THE MOUND
Harding-throwing RHPs Michael Cederoth and Philip Walby put the Aztecs in position to win last week against Oregon State, but didn't receive any offensive support. Cederoth left after six innings trailing 2-1. Walby allowed one earned run against the Beavers over 7.2 innings, but took the tough loss in the 2-0 defeat. Senior RHP Ryan Doran pitched five shutout innings against Oregon State before tiring in the sixth, when he allowed three runs in what became a 5-0 loss. ... Senior RHP Ethan Miller picked up the win Wednesday against Santa Clara, pitching 4.1 innings of shutout relief.
NOTABLE
— SDSU and Seton Hall have played just once, with the Aztecs losing 9-7 in a 1984 game at the Riverside Invitational.
— Seton Hall's Scott Kalamar (.333) and Chris Selden (.333) are the only players in the lineup batting above .300. The Pirates' overall team batting average is .210.
— One difference between West Coast baseball compared to other areas of the country is the parks out west tend to play bigger in the west. This may explain why in SDSU's first nine games there has been just one home run (by Santa Clara) while Seton Hall's first five games have seen a total of 11 homers (three by the Pirates).
— The first 500 fans at Friday's game will receive a Tony Gwynn Jr. replica jersey shirt.
The Aztecs just put a five-game losing streak behind them with Wednesday's 7-4 win at Santa Clara, however, so they shouldn't exactly be looking past the Pirates — even if next week brings a four-game series at top-ranked Arkansas.
First things first. How about building a little momentum before heading into the heart of the SEC?
This week's schedule, probable pitching matchups and other items of interest:
Friday — Seton Hall RHP Jon Prosinski (0-2, 6.00) vs. SDSU RHP Michael Cederoth (1-1, 2.45), 6 p.m.
Saturday — Seton Hall LHP Anthony Elia (0-0, 3.60) vs. SDSU RHP Philip Walby (0-1, 1.64), 1 p.m.
Sunday — Seton Hall TBA vs. SDSU RHP Ryan Doran (1-1, 3.97), 1 p.m.
AZTECS LINEUP
Most of SDSU's offense has come from three players — catcher Brad Haynal (.351, 5 RBI), center fielder Greg Allen (.333, 5 RBI, 7 R) and second baseman Tim Zier (.263, 8 RBI). ... Senior first baseman John Spirk, given an opportunity after the injury to Ryan Muno (broken hand), has responded by going 5-for-14 (.357). ... Be nice to see SDSU get the running game going this weekend. The Aztecs have stolen just six bases (in 12 attempts) in nine games. ... Freshman Ty France earned the starting spot at third base with his defensive play, although France has four of the team's eight errors in the early going. His batting average has dipped to .194, but it's still early enough that three or four hits this weekend would give him a big boost. ... Word for the weekend: Relax.
ON THE MOUND
Harding-throwing RHPs Michael Cederoth and Philip Walby put the Aztecs in position to win last week against Oregon State, but didn't receive any offensive support. Cederoth left after six innings trailing 2-1. Walby allowed one earned run against the Beavers over 7.2 innings, but took the tough loss in the 2-0 defeat. Senior RHP Ryan Doran pitched five shutout innings against Oregon State before tiring in the sixth, when he allowed three runs in what became a 5-0 loss. ... Senior RHP Ethan Miller picked up the win Wednesday against Santa Clara, pitching 4.1 innings of shutout relief.
NOTABLE
— SDSU and Seton Hall have played just once, with the Aztecs losing 9-7 in a 1984 game at the Riverside Invitational.
— Seton Hall's Scott Kalamar (.333) and Chris Selden (.333) are the only players in the lineup batting above .300. The Pirates' overall team batting average is .210.
— One difference between West Coast baseball compared to other areas of the country is the parks out west tend to play bigger in the west. This may explain why in SDSU's first nine games there has been just one home run (by Santa Clara) while Seton Hall's first five games have seen a total of 11 homers (three by the Pirates).
— The first 500 fans at Friday's game will receive a Tony Gwynn Jr. replica jersey shirt.
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