AYERS' WALK-OFF SINGLE LEADS BASEBALL TO SERIES WIN OVER DARTMOUTH
3/19/2012
Andrew Ayers hit a walk-off single to beat Dartmouth, 1-0, on Sunday.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Junior Andrew Ayers hit a walk-off single and the Sacramento State baseball team defeated Dartmouth, 1-0, in the rubber match of a five-game series on Monday afternoon at John Smith Field.
The Hornets (9-11) improved to 8-5 at home after Ayers smacked a single to right field with the bases loaded to cap a thrilling ninth inning.
In the top of the ninth, senior right-hander R.J. Davis found himself in a jam after giving up singles to the first two batters. After Davis struck out left fielder Matt Robinson, Dartmouth ran a double-steal and both runners were safe following a controversial call at third. With first base open and one out, the Hornets intentionally walked the next batter to load the bases. Davis blew a fastball by pinch hitter Matt MacDowell for the second out and forced leadoff hitter Joe Sclafani to fly out to left for the final out.
With the scoreless tie preserved, the Hornets entered the bottom of the ninth against reliever Mike Dodakian. Sacramento State scored six runs on six hits against Dodakian in the seventh inning of Sunday's game and the Hornets got to him again on Monday.
Freshman Rhys Hoskins hit a 2-2 pitch up the middle for a leadoff single to start the inning. After sophomore Justin Higley entered to pinch run for Hoskins at first, senior Derrick Chung hit a single that bounced off the pitcher to short. Trevor Paine stepped to the plate with runners at first and second with orders to lay down a sacrifice bunt. The senior executed a perfect bunt and, as Dartmouth third baseman Nick Lombardi watched, hoping it would roll foul, the ball trickled perfectly down the line before hitting the bag and everyone was safe. With the bases loaded, Ayers hit the first pitch he saw from Dodakian over the second baseman and into right center for the walk-off winner.
Davis (1-0) earned the win and combined with starter Zach Morgan, Tyler Hoelzen and Hunter Greenwood for the Hornets’ second shutout this season. Morgan scattered seven hits in seven innings with three strikeouts and two walks. Hoelzen allowed one hit in two-thirds and Greenwood faced just one batter in a third of an inning.
David Del Grande led the Hornets at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three singles and a double. Ayers had two hits.
Dodakian (0-2) took the loss for Dartmouth, spoiling a strong start by left-hander Frank Adams, who allowed just four hits in six innings with one stikeout and one walk. The Big Green went scoreless despite 10 hits. Robinson and David Turnbull each had a team-high two hits.
Sacramento State closes out its homestand against Pacific at 2 p.m. tomorrow. After Tuesday, the Hornets' next home game is April 11.
