FRESNO STATE'S GONZALEZ TOSSES SHUTOUT; BASEBALL FALLS TO BULLDOGS 2-0
4/21/2011
Karl Maas allowed just two runs in seven innings but the Hornets lost, 2-0, vs. Fresno State.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Sacramento State baseball team dropped its series opener with No. 12 ranked Fresno State, 2-0, as the Bulldogs' Greg Gonzalez threw a complete game shutout on Thursday afternoon at John Smith Field.
The Hornets fell to 12-26 (0-5 WAC) on the season while the Bulldogs improved to 26-6 (6-2 WAC). Gonzalez (7-0) earned the win while Sacramento State starter Karl Maas (3-4) took the loss.
Maas was cruising through the game as it was scoreless heading into the top of the sixth inning. Fresno State centerfielder Brennan Gowens led off with a double to right. With one man on, designated hitter Kenny Wise blasted the first pitch of his at-bat over the right field fence for a two-run home run.
It was all Gonzalez needed as the WAC's ERA and wins leader allowed just four hits in nine innings with 12 strikeouts and two walks.
Maas surrendered two runs on six hits in seven innings with two strikeouts and three walks. Sacramento State reliever Brandon Creel pitched two scoreless innings with two hits, one strikeout and one walk.
The Hornets' best chance to score came in the eighth inning when Higley led off with a double. Davis, who had singled to lead off the sixth, came up to bat and smashed a shot high and deep to right center but Fresno State's Gowens was able to make the catch on the warning track.
The Hornets and Bulldogs will meet again at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at John Smith Field. On the mound for Sacramento State will be Dallas Chadwick (RHP, 2-3, 4.40 ERA) while Fresno State will counter with Josh Poytress (LHP, 4-0, 2.27 ERA). The four-game series concludes with a doubleheader starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
