Box Score
LA JOLLA, Calif. - Despite the strong pitching of
Erick Ruvalcaba and
Michael Parker, a couple of key mistakes in the bottom of the ninth led to the Cal Poly Pomona baseball team suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 loss on Friday at UC San Diego.
The Broncos drop to 15-9 overall and 9-9 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, while the Tritons improve to 19-7 overall and 12-6 through conference play.
The matchup under the lights featured a pitching duel between Ruvalcaba and UCSD's Guido Knudson. The two hurlers didn't disappoint, keeping the scoreboard display at 0-0 through the first five innings.
The Broncos broke through in the top of the sixth.
Mike Santora initiated the rally with a one-out walk, while
Travis Taijeron followed with a single to left to advance his teammate.
Jordan Whitman came up with the key knock, sending a base hit to centerfield that brought Santora in for the score.
Ruvalcaba finished with six strong innings, scattering three hits and striking out one.
Michael Parker came on in relief for CPP and he posted two perfect frames while sending two Triton batters down on strikes.
Junior right-hander
Jake Reed entered the game in the bottom of the ninth for the Broncos, looking to pick up the save and secure the win for the visitors. Reed allowed a leadoff double and a subsequent walk, leaving runners on first and second with no outs.
Blake Tagymer came up with the game-tying hit for UCSD. After Reed registered the second out of the innning with the bases loaded, a foul ball dropped in front of CPP third baseman
Allen Rodarte. On the next pitch, a passed ball from the Broncos'
Jenzen Torres allowed the Tritons' Scott Liske to cross home for the winning score.
CPP and the Tritons will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at 12 p.m. in Pomona.
