Feb. 12, 2006
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The bats came alive from the start for the Broncos Sunday afternoon as they scored six first-inning runs on their way to capturing the team's first series victory of the season with a 10-6 win over the San Diego State Aztecs at Stephen Schott Stadium.
Michael Lange and Dustin Realini each provided a pair of hits for SCU, while Daniel Nava drove in a pair of runs with a first-inning triple and Ryan Conan also doubled in a run.
Santa Clara (3-4) quickly staked starter Matt Wickswat to a seven-run lead by the third inning, enabling Wickswat to work five strong innings to up his record to 2-0.
The first five SCU batters of the game reached base on three hits and two bases on balls. Eric Newton added a sacrifice fly while Lange capped the big opening frame by driving in Conan with two outs.
The Broncos, who added a run in the third, were given a brief scare in the sixth inning as the Aztecs (2-5) managed to put five runs on the board to make it a one-run game at 7-6. SDSU had the go-ahead run at second base with two outs, but Chris Stansbury came on in relief and retired Sam Pepper on a groundout to quell the threat.
Santa Clara answered in their half of the inning as Carl Bacon and Conan drew walks to start things off. Pinch-runner Donnie Ecker and Conan were then advanced a bag by Lange's sacrifice before Jason Matteucci's single plated Ecker. Pinch-hitter Kevin Drever followed with a textbook sacrifice of his own to get Conan across to give the Broncos some breathing room at 9-6.
Wickswat struck out three over five-plus innings for his second win of the season. Chris Stansbury and Mark Willinsky provided solid relief to preserve the victory by shutting the Aztecs out over the final three-and-one-third innings.
The Broncos continue their current seven-game homestand next Friday as they begin a weekend series with UC Riverside. First pitch for Friday's contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. for both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available by calling (408) 554-4660.