Feb. 5, 2005
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - A four-run sixth inning led the Santa Clara baseball team back from a two-run deficit to post a 5-3 win over Utah on Saturday afternoon at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Broncos improve to 3-2 on the season, while the Utes drop to 0-2.
Utah had scored a run in each of the second, third and fifth innings to build a 3-1 lead over the Broncos heading into the bottom of the sixth frame. Kris Watts was walked to lead-off the inning, while Dustin Realini followed him with a single to center field. With runners on first and second, a fielder's choice would allow Watts to move to third and Jason Matteucci to reach base. Third baseman Michael Thompson would drive in both runners with a two-RBI double to left center and tie up the game at 3-3. With Thompson at second, shortstop Kevin Drever tripled to right center field to knock in the g-ahead run for the Broncos. A well executed sacrifice bunt by Ryan Chiarelli drove Drever in and gave SCU a 5-3 lead heading into the seventh.
Timely Bronco pitching would keep the Broncos in the game in the late innings as freshman Donald Brandt and senior Thomas Van Buskirk threw the final three innings. After a 1-2-3 seventh inning, the Utes would threaten to score in the top of the eighth. Utah would have runners at first and third with two outs after singles from Doug Beck and Trevor Eastman. Eastman then stole second to put two runners in scoring position for Utah. However, Brandt would force John Welsh to fly out to right field to end the inning.
In the top of the ninth, Utah loaded the bases on three consecutive singles. Van Buskirk, who allowed the third single, struck out the final two batters of the game to seal the Bronco victory and pick up his first save of the year.
Redshirt freshman Chris Stansbury earned the win for the Broncos in his second outing of the season. The right-hander from Laguna Beach threw three innings in relief of starter Patrick Overholt. He recorded four strikeouts and allowed only one hit.
Thompson once again led SCU on the offensive front, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored. Realini also posted a multiple hit game as he went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
The Broncos and Utes will wrap-up their three-game series tomorrow at Buck Shaw Stadium. First pitch is set for noon. Freshman Mike Stutes will take the mound for Santa Clara on Sunday.
