Feb. 8, 2002

The University of San Francisco Dons (1-4) lost to UC Riverside (3-2) in non-conference action when Highlander Adam Seuss hit a two out three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the Dons 4-1 at the Riverside Sports Complex Friday night.

The Dons struck first in the seventh when senior outfielder Jason Howard hit a 400 foot triple to straight away center field, scoring sophomore outfielder Joe Jacobitz, giving the Dons a late 1-0 lead.

The stage was set for defeat when freshman RHP TJ Franco (0-2) fielded a ground ball and turned to first for the flip with two outs in the ninth inning. Sophomore infielder Nick Cirbo missed tagging first base after the toss from Franco allowing Randy Blood to reach first base on the error. Brian Wahlbrink followed with an infield single setting the stage for Seuss' line drive shot over the right field wall.

Highlander Chris Smith (2-0) earned the victory, pitching a complete game, allowing one run on three hits, striking out six and facing only three batters over the minimum. Don starter Kevin Rose pitched seven shutout innings and left with a 1-0 lead as TJ Franco relieved in the eighth. The Dons return to action tomorrow in Riverside in game two of the series.