May 4, 2001
By Keith Candau, Media Relations Student Assistant
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Gonzaga first baseman Nate Gold hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning to help Gonzaga take the lead in the West Coast Conference's Coast Division with a 6-2 win over Santa Clara Friday at Buck Shaw Stadium.
Gonzaga now leads the Coast Division over Santa Clara by one game with five conference games left. The winner of the Coast Division will play the winner of the West Division for the WCC Championship. With the loss Santa Clara's record drops to 21-27 overall and 15-10 in the WCC, while Gonzaga's improves to 25-21 and 16-9 in league play.
The Broncos graced the scoreboard first as senior Matt Queen doubled in sophomore Jack Headley to take a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Sophomore pitcher Joe Diefenderfer started for Santa Clara and shut out Gonzaga through the first three innings. However, Gold hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning to make the score 3-1 in favor of Gonzaga. Diefenderfer (5-5) pitched seven innings striking out seven batters and giving up five runs in a losing effort.
The Broncos would add another run in the fifth as sophomore Jimmy Wallace knocked in freshman Kellan McConnell who hit his first collegiate double.
Gonzaga's starting pitcher Barry Matthews (8-1) pitched his fifth complete game of the season giving up only two runs and striking out eight batters. The Bulldogs scored a run in each of the last three innings to finish off the Broncos.
Santa Clara relief pitcher Jim DeMartini pitched the final two innings only allowing one run to score. The Broncos were led offensively by Headley and Queen who each went 2-for-4. Gonzaga was led by Gold whose three-RBI homerun in the fourth proved to be the game winner.
The Broncos are in action on Saturday, May 5 as they play the second game of the three-game home stand against the Bulldogs. The gates open at 12 noon and the first 500 fans receive a free Mondo Burrito and Jamba Juice. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
