Box Score
TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of San Francisco Diamond Dons (5-7) broke out in a big way Sunday, scoring nine times in a 9-2 win over the No. 11 Arizona Wildcats (10-3). USF leaves Tucson with a win against the defending-national champions that could provide some positive momentum going forward.
The Dons benefitted from solid pitching from
Christian Cecilio and
Haden Hinkle who combined to go nine innings, scattering seven hits against an Arizona team that was averaging 9.7 runs/game coming into the weekend.
“Cecilio gave us great effort and no-hit them through four,” said USF Head Coach
Nino Giarratano. “Hinkle was great out of the bullpen.”
USF didn't waste time as the first four hitters in the top of the first reached base, including freshman
Harrison Bruce and senior
Jason Mahood who both scored. Giarratano gave Bruce the first start of his career in place of regular leadoff hitter
Justin Maffei, a move that paid dividends immediately following a leadoff walk.
The game remained 2-0 through five innings and after scoring runs in the sixth and seventh to make it a 5-1 game, the Dons posted a four-run ninth to take a 9-1 lead. Zachary Turner,
Bob Cruikshank and
Ryan Matranga all drove in runs to extend the lead to eight.
“Today was a good day for us,” said Giarratano. “We got ahead early, scored in the middle and put up four big runs at the end. The difference today was pitching and defense. Hopefully we will gain some momentum from this win and do our thing in Missouri. I'm happy to see the team step up today.”
Inside the Numbers
Six Dons drove in runs in the victory, including two apiece from Turner and Matranga.
Line of the Game
Christian Cecilio – 5.2 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 4 strikeouts.
