Box Score STOCKTON -- UC San Diego belted three home runs against Stanislaus State's ace as the Tritons took the CCAA Tournament first round game, 6-1, late Wednesday night at the Banner Island Ballpark.
The Warriors were victimized by three long bombs and UCSD starter Troy Cruz pitched a gem to quiet the Stan State bats. The Warriors, now 34-17, will play Chico State on Thursday in an elimination game. Chico State held on to beat Cal State L.A. much earlier on Wednesday to start the tournament.
Kron, an All-CCAA selection and an 8-game winner, was out-dueled by Cruz. Cruz improved to 7-2 and had entered the night with a 4.98 ERA. But on this cold night with the Delta breeze blowing out to center-left-center field, Cruz cruised. He threw eight innings -- and started the ninth -- with nine strikeouts and gave up just the one run on three singles.
Stanislaus State, making its first postseason appearance since 2008, scored its lone run in the fifth to cut the Tritons lead in half 2-1.
Nick Ippolito chopped a bouncer up the middle with UCSD making a play at second base. However, baserunner
Adam Nascimento beat the throw while
Charlie Gaff scored.
Jack Larsen had given UCSD a 2-0 lead with a solo blast to deep right field for the Tritons' first homer. Nick Kitzmann homered in the sixth and Alex Eliopulos homered in the seventh to make it 4-1.
Trailing 6-1 in the ninth, Stan State tried to rally.
Kyle Nixon led off with a double to finally chase Cruz. One out later,
Aldo Koutsoyanopulos drew a walk to put two runners one with one out. With two outs, the Warriors worked the bases loaded with Gaff at the plate. But Gaff popped up in the infield to end the game.
...more to come
