March 5, 2006
Santa Clara, Calif. - After splitting the first two games with South Bay rival San Jose State, the Santa Clara baseball team produced six runs and 13 hits on their way to a 6-0 victory, effectively earning three Rivalry Series points. The Rivalry Series is an annual competition between the schools 13 intercollegiate varsity teams and with today's win, the Broncos lead the Spartans by a margin of 19-4.
Leading the way for the Broncos was Matt Long, who went 3-4 at the plate, including a double in the fifth inning. Santa Clara had runners on base in every single inning, a testament to a potent offense this afternoon. In addition to Long, Gabe Alcantar, Kevin Drever, Daniel Nava, and Eric Newton each had two runs apiece. Kris Watts also tallied two RBIs to lead SCU in the winning effort.
Santa Clara started off hot right off the bat, as Drever opened up the bottom of the first inning with a single to center field. He advanced to third after Alcantar slammed a double down the left field line. However, Drever was out at home after Realini reached first base on a fielder's choice, though Alcantar was put into scoring position after running to third. With runners at second and third, Watts hit a single through the right field line, scoring both Alcantar and Realini.
The 2-0 advantage proved to be the only runs necessary to secure the win, but the Broncos did not let down on their offense, scoring one run apiece in the fifth and sixth innings. In the eighth, two more insurance runs were added to make the final margin 6-0 in favor of the home team.
Matt Wickswat (3-0) threw seven and one third innings to pick up the win, striking out five batters. Daniel DeMarco pitched the rest of the game and earned his first save of the year. Josh Amberson (2-1) gave up eight runs in four and two thirds innings for San Jose State to take the loss.
Santa Clara improves its record to 9-7 on the year and will return to action on Tuesday, March 7 when Sacramento State visits Schott Stadium for a non-conference showdown. Game time is set for 2 p.m.