The Collegian

Issue date: 5/1/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Courtesy of www.smcgaels.com Kenny Fuglerud '09 scored a run and knocked in another on Sunday.

The Saint Mary's baseball team headed into last weekend's series against Portland looking to pick up their first conference win of the year. The Gaels hoped to gain some momentum off a 7-6 victory at Sacramento State in their last game.

Game one of the series, which took place last Friday, could not have started off any worse.

On the first play of the game, senior Eric Cattoni crashed into the right field wall, separating his shoulder. Cattoni, the catalyst for the Gaels' offense, has been a key player since transferring from the College of Southern Idaho.

Cattoni's injury however, was matched by an equally devastating loss at the hands of the Pilots.

Saint Mary's was up 1-0 going into the top of the ninth inning. Taylor Stanton '10 was on the mound, looking to close out the game. Stanton gave up a leadoff single.

After the single, he appeared to be rattled as he walked the next batter.

Portland then executed a gutsy double steal to put the go ahead run in scoring position at second base. Portland now had runners at second and third base with no outs.

Stanton then walked the next batter, looking for a force at home plate. Now, head coach Jedd Soto had a decision to make. Jimmy Munill '10 was ready to go into the bullpen, but Soto decided to keep the freshman closer in the game.

The decision would be punished as the next batter crushed a double down the left field line, scoring all three runners.The three runs were enough for a Portland victory.

Gilbert Urbina '08 singled home pinch runner, Ryan Mulligan '10 in the bottom of the ninth to close the gap to a run, but Michael Gonzales lined out to centerfield to end the game.

The tough loss overshadowed the outstanding performance from starting pitcher Alex Jensen '08.

Jensen threw six innings of five hit, shutout ball while only walking two and striking out five.

Mike Nisco '07 relieved Jenson and also pitched well, posting a strong two innings allowing only a single hit and striking out two. He did not allow a single walk.

In game two of the series, Saint Mary's was destroyed by Portland.

Both teams combined for 28 hits and 17 runs. Portland would have 17 of the hits and 14 of the runs.

Continued...

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