May 21, 2010
Box Score
MALIBU, Calif. - The 15th-ranked University of San Diego baseball team had its 15-0 conference streak snapped Friday afternoon, falling 5-0 to Pepperdine University at Eddy D Field.
The Toreros (31-18, 15-1 WCC), which out hit the Waves (21-27, 9-7 WCC) with nine, all singles, struggled to push across runs in the end, leaving seven stranded.
Junior right-hander Kyle Blair (7-4) was saddled with the loss, surrendering five runs - all in the fifth inning - on six hits through 7.0 innings of work.
Pepperdine's lefty Matt Bywater (5-5) picked up the victory, pitching a complete game shut-out along with five strike-outs, while allowing nine hits sprinkled throughout.
Through the first four innings a pitcher's duel ensued before the Waves broke the 0-0 tie in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five runs on five hits. Blair, having sailed through his first four innings of work with six K's, gave up a leadoff triple to Joe Sever. Pepperdine pushed across the first two runs on RBI singles from Cody Yount and Brian Humphries. With the bases loaded, Colin Rooney smacked a three RBI double down the left field line to complete the five spot.
The Toreros got their best chance at a comeback in the top of the sixth, with runners at second and third and no outs. But the steady throwing Bywater grabbed back-to-back strike-outs and a slow roller to second to squash the San Diego rally.
San Diego, which managed to put a man on eight of nine innings, was led offensively by Chris Engell, who went 3-for-4, while James Meador and Nick McCoy picked up two singles each.
The Toreros will send junior lefthander Sammy Solis to the mound tomorrow to try and even the series in Game #2 at Eddy D Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
