March 7, 2008
Box Score
Stockton, Calif. - The Gonzaga University baseball team posted four runs in the final two frames to run away with an 8-4 victory over host University of the Pacific Friday at the Klein Family Field in Stockton, Calif.
The Zags'(4-5) Marcus McKimmy led GU as the senior went 3-for-5 with three runs batted in and a pair of runs scored. All of McKimmy's hits were extra base hits as he recorded a home run and two doubles.
Cody Martin (1-0) earned the win for the Bulldogs as the freshman saw 2.1 innings of shutout relief in which he allowed only one hit. Brandon Harmon earned the start, but came up with a no decision, after allowing four runs on eight hits while striking out a season-high six batters. Pacific's (2-8) Cole Akins (0-3) suffered the loss allowing five runs on nine hits over 7.1 frames.
The Tigers posted runs in the opening two frames to take a 2-0 lead into the third inning. Following a lead-ff walk, Joe Oliveira advanced around the bases to score on a ground out by Mike McKeever in the first. In the second, Kurt Wideman led off the frame with a double down the left field line before eventually scoring on a single to right by Nick Longmire.
Gonzaga opened its scoring in the top of the third when Michael Rhodes smashed a triple to right field before scoring on a Pacific fielding error.
The Zags' took a 3-2 lead in the fourth, with two runs on three hits. McKimmy highlighted the inning with a one-out solo home run to left field for his second long ball of the season. Brett Nicholas scored the second run in the inning on a single by Grant Kveder.
Pacific knotted the score 3-3 in the second half of the third as Longmire recorded his second RBI of the evening. Jason Haar led off the inning with a double to right center before rounding home on a triple by Longmire.
Evan Wells gave GU the one run advantage again in the fifth. Wells led off the inning with a single up the middle and scored during the next at-bat. Following a throwing error by the pitcher to advance Wells to second and a wild pitch to advance him to third, the junior scored on a ground out by Jason Chatwood.
The Tigers tied the game again in the seventh on a bases loaded walk to Wideman scored John Joines. UOP threatened to take the lead in the frame, as the Tigers' left the bases loaded to end the inning.
Gonzaga erupted for four runs in the final two frames to seal to 8-4 victory. McKimmy doubled for his second hit of the game in the eight before scoring the lone run of the inning on a double play. In the ninth, the Bulldogs sent eight men to the plate, recording two hits including a two-run double by McKimmy. Wells also recorded an RBI in the frame as he singled to right field to score Rhodes.
The Zags and Tigers will face off in the second game of the three-game series Saturday afternoon. Matt Fields is expected to get the start for the Bulldogs in the 2 p.m. game.
