March 11, 2003

Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. - FRESNO, Calif. (http://www.gozags.com - March 11, 2003) The Gonzaga University Bulldogs (6-9) exploded for seven unanswered runs in the top of the ninth inning to put an exclamation point on their second win of the Pespi/Johnny Quik Classic in Fresno. Gonzaga defeated North Carolina Asheville Bulldogs (3-9) 11-3 during second day action and will now face Cal Poly on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m.

After giving up three runs in the first inning Gonzaga freshman pitcher Patrick Donovan (1-1) settled down and worked six strong innings. UNCA scored its three runs on a Grant Rembert RBI double, an infield ground out and a Bill Carley RBI double.

Gonzaga battled back with a single run in the third on an Eric Rodland RBI single to right and then cut the margin to 3-2 with Sam Hess RBI single to center in the sixth.

Rodland added his second RBI of the afternoon in the seventh as he doubled to left to score Danny Evans an tie the game. Rodland scored the go ahead run three batters later on a RBI by Jeff Culpepper that handed UNC Asheville relief pitcher Jake McConiga (0-1) the loss.

The GU Bulldogs then exploded for seven runs in the top of the ninth against McConiga and Brad Beck. Gordon Corder had a two-run home run and Rodland added two more RBI's with a double to left center.

John Gonzalez picked up the save for Gonzaga pitching the final three innings as Gonzaga pounded out 14 hits compared to only eight for UNC Asheville. UNCA was led by Grant Rembert with three hits while McConiga added two hits before taking the mound.

Gonzaga was paced by Rodland's three hits and four RBI as the senior moved his career hit total to 226. He is chasing the school record of 242 held by Jim Carnell. Danny Evans led the team with four hits while Chris Sinner and Corder also chipped in with two hits on the afternoon.