FLORES KNOCKS OUT THREE MORE HITS IN BASEBALL'S LOSS TO SAN FRANCISCO

4/10/2007

SAN FRANCISCO — Despite three hits from David Flores, the Sacramento State baseball team was unable to overcome an early deficit in an 8-1 loss at San Francisco, Tuesday afternoon at Benedetti Diamond.

The Dons improved to 18-17 on the season while the Hornets fell to 10-23.

Flores, who also collected three hits in the team’s win over Hawaii last Saturday, is now 8-for-17 over the last four games. The junior led a trio of Hornets with multiple hits and was joined by Taylor Watanabe and Wes Oberlin, who each had two. Watanabe earned his first start at second base this season while Oberlin was given the nod at first base in an effort to give Gabe Jacobo his first day off.

Hornet freshman Paul Jinkens also made his first start of year. The Wheatland, Calif., native threw 2.0 innings in a controlled start but gave up four runs (three earned) on four hits. The big blow came in the first inning when Jonathan Norfolk hit a three-run home run to right center to put USF on top, 4-0.

As planned, Sacramento State continued to rotate pitchers throughout the game. Redshirt freshman Josh White threw the third and fourth innings before giving way to Mel Cuckovich, Tommy Gonzalez, Ryan Magee, and Billy Sinacori, who each pitched one inning.

The Hornets’ one run came in the fifth inning. Watanabe reached on a bunt single and advanced to second on a throwing error by the catcher. With two outs, Montana Dye doubled to left field scoring the run.

Alex Kalogrides was credited with the win for the Dons. The freshman pitched four innings and was one of five USF pitchers to take the mound.

Sacramento State returns home to host Louisiana Tech in a three-game Western Athletic Conference series beginning on Friday. The Hornets took two of three from the Bulldogs to begin conference play in early March. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the weekend games beginning at 1 p.m.