Feb. 1, 2002

(Northridge, CA) - San Francisco powered three homeruns and generated six runs off eight hits, but it was not enough to down Cal State Northridge, who beat the Dons 10-6 in the 2002 season opener for both teams Friday at Matador Field. USF (0-1) got a solid start from senior right-hander Peter Dunkle, who went 2.1 innings, allowing one run off three hits while recording six Matador (1-0) strikeout victims.

Northridge generated three runs in the fourth and eighth innings off the USF relief corps. The Matador pitching staff held USF in check, collecting 18 strikeouts as every batter in the lineup was sent down on K's.

Senior outfielder Jason Howard launched his 16th career homerun with a two-run shot in eigth inning. Howard finished 2-for-4 with a double, homerun and a pair of RBI. Sophomore shortstop Armand Gaerlan hit a leadoff homerun to start a three-run sixth inning for the Dons. Senior catcher Steve Booth followed, sending his third career homerun over the fence with a two-run blast in the sixth frame and went 1-for-3 with three RBI. Sophomore Jason Jacobitz also collected a pair of hits in his first game in the Green and Gold, finishing the day 2-for-4.

Dunkle (0-1) suffered the loss for USF, while Bill Murphy earned the win for the Matadors in relief, allowing six runs off seven hits to go along with 12 strikeouts.

USF faces Cal State Northridge in the second game of the three-game set on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Matador Stadium.