Dons Knock Off South Dakota State 4-3 in Extra Innings

Opening Round match up between San Diego and Cal Poly was played at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles

After being on the losing side of an extra inning thriller the previous night, the Dons were able to pull one out in extra innings to survive in the NCAA Baseball Championships today.

The two teams exchanged runs in the 10th inning and the score was 3-3. Don’s shortstop Josh Miller had a tough inning: the junior had two errors to help Jackrabbit hitters reach base and advance on the base path’s  He attempted to complete a spectacular double play to end the inning, and his throw to the first baseman went wide and Al Robbins scored as a result of that. Fortunately for Miller, the Dons rallied later in the game to salvage the victory.

In the top of 13th inning, Don’s outfielder Bradley Zimmer reached first base on an error by the second baseman. He later stole second, putting himself in scoring position. Zachary Turner then walked, and Zimmer and Turner then advanced to second and third respectively when the Jack Rabbit pitcher threw a wild pitch. Bob Cruikshank then hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Zimmer, and put the Dons ahead 4-3.

In the bottom of the thirteen inning, San Francisco pitchers Bob Mott and Abe Bobb finished off the South Dakota State Jack Rabbits to end the game.

In 13 innings of action, the USF pitching staff had a great showing today. Christian Cecilo, Adam Cimber, Ben Graff, Andrew Pudilo, Bob Mott, and Abe Bobb all combined to give up only 2 earned runs off 10 hits. The Dons staff totaled 9 strikeouts, while only walking 3 batters. Overall, it was a fantastic outing for the Diamond Don’s rotation of pitchers.

San Francisco will take on the loser of the Oregon-Rice game at 12 PM PT tomorrow afternoon. The game can once again be watched on ESPN3.  The Dons will have to persevere through their fatigue that they have acquired as a result of playing 24 innings in two games. It is gut check time for the Diamond Dons.