May 13, 2005

Box Score

(San Diego, CA) - San Diego dropped a 5-3 decision to Loyola Marymount Friday afternoon at USD's Cunningham Stadium. The Toreros now must win each of the final two games of the three-game series to keep its postseason hopes alive.

San Diego (29-25-1; 15-13 WCC) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but Loyola Marymount (24-24; 13-11 WCC) starter Jeff Stevens retired 12 consecutive USD batters in the middle innings and LMU's offense pushed in five runs on 13 hits to realize the come-from-behind victory.

San Diego falls to 8-14-1 at home this season, compared to a 21-11 record when playing on the road. Sophomore right fielder Shane Buschini extended his hitting-streak to a WCC-best 19 games and freshman standout Justin Snyder drove in a pair of runs for USD.

Loyola Marymount, having won 8-of-9, control their own destiny in the race for the WCC Coast Division title. The Lions received three hits and a pair of RBIs from freshman second baseman Eric Farris. Senior catcher Jon Oller hit his 11th double and drove in two runs.

The Lions swept San Diego in a three-game series in Los Angeles earlier this season, and after winning Game One Friday own a perfect 4-0 record against USD on the year.

Torero starter Josh Butler (7-7) remains winless since an April 15th decision against Pepperdine. The sophomore from Danville surrendered five runs on 10 hits Friday against the Lions.

LMU starter Jeff Stevens improves to 5-7, pitching into the eighth inning before giving way to an effective Lion bullpen combination of Gabe Bueno and Andy Beal. Beal dealt a perfect ninth to earn his second save.