April 24, 2001
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Santa Clara University scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to earn a 4-3 comeback victory over Sacramento State Tuesday afternoon at Hornet Field.
Santa Clara improves to 18-25 on the season, while Sacramento State falls to 18-26.
Chad Fillinger (5-1) earned the win for the Broncos, pitching the final three innings and allowing just one Hornet hit and one run. Anthony Rea started the game and pitched the first four innings of the game, while A.J. Ampi completed two innings in middle relief. The three Bronco pitchers limited Sacramento State to just four hits on the day.
Senior Matt Queen opened the ninth inning for the Broncos with a single to centerfield. After advancing to second on a passed ball, he went to third on a groundball to second base by Alex Anderson. John Hilvert, playing in his first game since suffering a shoulder injury at Oklahoma State, walked and was replaced on the basepaths by freshman Panch Romero. Jimmy Wallace then walked to fill the bases and was replaced by pinch runner David Mandley.
Kellen McConnell singled to centerfield, knocking in Queen and Romero to tie the game at two-each. Mike Balestreri singled on a bunt to load the bases again. Joe Diefenderfer singled to centerfield to score two runs and give the Broncos a 4-2 lead.
Sacramento State added one run on a homer in the bottom of the ninth, the only hit given-up by Fillinger in the game.
The Broncos return to action Wednesday in a 7 p.m. first pitch at Fresno State.
