April 7, 2006

Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. - Freshman left-hander Brian Matusz threw eight scoreless innings to guide the 18th-ranked University of San Diego baseball team (21-11, 3-1 WCC) to a 2-0 West Coast Conference series opening win Friday afternoon against the Pilots of the University of Portland (10-19, 0-4 WCC).

Matusz (3-2) picked up the win for the Toreros after throwing a gem. Matusz allowed no runs on four hits while striking out seven in eight complete innings of work. Matusz did not allow a single batter to move past second base during his eight inning shutout.

The Toreros broke open the scoreless contest in the fourth inning as they scored one run one hit. Justin Snyder led off with a walk and moved to second on Keoni Ruth's bunt to the pitcher. The Toreros then loaded the bases when Steve Singleton was hit by a pitch. Jordan Abruzzo drove in Snyder when he hit into a double play advancing Ruth to third base and giving USD the early 1-0 advantage.

USD added an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning. Snyder again led things off with a bunt to the first baseman. Ruth then hit a double down the left field line to move Snyder to third. After the Pilots intentionally walked Steve Singleton to load the bases, Abruzzo brought Snyder across with a sacrifice fly to center field to push the lead to 2-0.

Offensively for the Toreros both Kevin Hansen and Ruth were the hitting hero's going 3-for-4 with Ruth adding one double.

Matt Couch picked up the save for USD allowing no runs on no hits while striking out two in 1.0 innings of work. Ari Romick (2-3) was saddled with the loss for the Pilots allowing two runs on seven hits in 7.1 innings of work.

The Toreros will return to action on Saturday as they continue a three-game WCC series with Portland in a 1 p.m. game.