Feb. 21, 2003

(Fresno, CA) - USF baseball continued their hot play with a satisfying 8-1 victory against Fresno State Friday in non-conference action at Beiden Field. San Francisco junior right-hander Kevin Rose scattered a run on seven hits in a complete game gem as the Dons seized the opener of a three-game series against the Bulldogs.

As they have during their current hot streak, San Francisco (4-6) got plenty of offense against Fresno State (2-7). Friday, the pitching matched the potent offense, as Rose collected his second career complete game with the first one coming April 7, 2001, against Portland.

Rose (1-1) allowed Fresno State's first three batters to reach base in the first that led to the Bulldogs' only run of the game, an RBI single by junior infielder Casey McGehee. McGehee recorded his second straight three-hit game going 3-for-3 with three singles.

After an RBI groundout by USF infielder Craig Click tied the game in the second, the Dons plated six runs in the third to open up a 7-1 lead. In the inning, the Dons sent 11 men to the plate while tallying four hits in the frame. San Francisco outfielder Nick Tarbat led the Dons' offensive attack for the game going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases including an RBI single in the third.

Fresno State starter Matt Garza (1-3) dropped his third straight decision allowing seven runs on five hits in 2.2 innings.

USF got strong offensive performances from from senior outfielders Jason Howard and Ryan Sittauer, who both went 2-for-4, while Sittauer collected the lone extra-base hit for the Dons with a double. Click went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while senior designated hitter Alfonso Valdez went 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

San Francisco returns to action Saturday for the second game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for at 1:00 PM at Beiden Field.