March 20, 2010
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego State strung together four singles to score six runs in the fifth inning, which led to a 7-5 comeback victory over visiting Santa Clara under the lights of Tony Gwynn Stadium Saturday night.
Santa Clara (7-8) was up 3-0 after Geoff Klein's two-run homer to centerfield in the first inning. It was Klein's third straight game with homerun. He was named the WCC's 'Player of the Week' and was named to the Johnny Bench Award 'Watch List' after his performance at last weekend's Jack Gifford Memorial Tournament.
San Diego State (7-10) snapped a three-game home losing streak. All-America closer-turned-starter Addison Reed (4-1) overcame SCU's three-run first to settle in and work 6 2/3 innings, posting five straight scoreless frames to facilitate the comeback.
With one out in the bottom of the fifth and Santa Clara starter Nate Garcia (1-4) seemingly in control, a bloop hit and a walk initiated a six-run SDSU rally. Garcia went on to allow four consecutive singles, highlighted by 2-RBI hits by Brandon Meredith and Blair Moore.
Before Steve Kalush was able to record the final two outs of the fifth inning, the Aztecs had transformed a 3-1 deficit into a 7-3 lead. Garcia was charged with seven runs on eight hits through 4 1/3 innings. A disappointing result for Garcia who was cruising, surrendering just two hits and one run until SDSU was able to chase him in the fifth.
Tommy Medica went 2-for-4 with a double and scored in the eighth when designated hitter Ryan Rieger doubled into the left-centerfield gap. Rieger's two-run double cut SDSU's lead to 7-5.
Aztec closer John Pecorado appeared in the ninth to induce the final two outs and earn his second save.
The four-game series in San Diego continues Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. game Monday night and the series-finale Tuesday at 1 p.m.
