Feb. 11, 2006
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Despite raking 13 hits and having numerous opportunities Saturday afternoon, the big hit eluded the Santa Clara baseball team as it dropped a 10-4 decision to the San Diego State Aztecs at Stephen Schott Stadium.
Seniors Jason Matteucci and Kris Watts each had three hits Saturday for the Broncos (2-4), with Matteucci driving in a pair of runs and scoring one. Watts lashed his fourth double of the season and drove in a run.
Santa Clara left 11 runners on base in the game and only two of their 13 hits were for extra bases.
San Diego State (2-4) used a pair of two-run homers from Curt Mendoza and Tim O'Brien to help boost their offense. Starter Justin Masterson gave up 11 hits but salved the damage by allowing only three runs in seven innings.
The Broncos had one of their best opportunities in the eighth inning, as the first three batters reached base, cutting the deficit to 8-4 and having runners on second and third with none out. But a strikeout followed by an inning-ending double play extinguished SCU's last great chance.
The Broncos and Aztecs return to Schott Stadium tomorrow afternoon for the rubber game of this three-game series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.