March 6, 2004

Box Score

LEWISTON, Ida. - Gonzaga University (5-8) pulled out a 4-3 baseball win over the University of Portland (0-10) to improve to 3-0 in the Banana Belt Classic in Lewiston, Ida. The Bulldogs scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to collect their third straight win.

The Bulldogs loaded the bases against Portland starter Stephen Ball (0-1) in the bottom of the ninth and chased the Pilots hurler from the game two outs shy of the complete game. Sean Sargent would enter the game and hit one Bulldogs batter and walk David Johnson to give the Zags the 4-3 win.

Portland scored first in the contest taking advantage of a Bulldogs error that extended the top of the fourth. Rhett Parker would make the error hurt as he connected for a two-run bases loaded single up the middle to score the game's first two runs against GU starter Eric Dworkis.

Gonzaga would have their chances to score in the game as they stranded runners in each of the first five innings as Pilots starter Stephen Ball was able to pitch out of each jam, collecting eight strikeouts through the first five innings.

Parker would add to Portland's lead in the sixth inning as he doubled to left field to score Josh Goff. Dworkis would work through the seventh and exit with the Zags trailing 3-0.

Gonzaga finally broke through against Ball in the seventh as Jeff Culpepper doubled home Kiel Thibault. Culpepper would come around to score on the play as the Pilots catcher overthrew second base trying to pick off Culpepper, the ball rolling to deep right centerfield.

Goff and Travis Vetters each finished with three hits for Portland. Brad Welker had two hits for Gonzaga, reaching base in four of five at-bats. Culpepper also added two hits for GU. Nate Williams (1-0) picked up the win for Gonzaga after pitching a perfect ninth inning.