Feb. 28, 2002

(San Francisco) - The Dons (3-10) jumped to an early lead in San Jose against the Spartans Wednesday. USF posted the first run of the game in the first off a sacrifice fly from sophomore first baseman Nick Cirbo scoring freshman outfielder Royce Fukuroku. San Jose State (10-5) answered back in the third inning to tie the score 1-1. The Spartans strengthened their lead in the fourth with another run and put it out of the Dons' reach in the fifth with six runs scored. The Dons fought back in the sixth scoring four runs but were unable to catch the Spartans.

USF was led offensively by junior outfielder Ryan Sittauer who finished the day 2-for-4. Cirbo added a 1-for-3 performance for the Dons with three RBI and one run scored. Sophomore outfielder Joe Jacobitz finished the contest 2-for-4 with one run scored. The Dons struggled offensively with only four players recording at least one hit.

Freshman right-handed pitcher T.J. Franco started on the mound for the Dons and pitched four complete innings. Franco allowed three runs off two hits and fanned three Spartans. Senior southpaw Jeremy Kinney relieved Franco in the fifth inning for 0.1 innings of work. Senior right-handed pitcher Peter Dunkle was next on the mound to finish the fifth inning. Closing the game was junior right-hander Bryan Williams. Williams pitched the final three innings giving up only one run off three hits and retiring four Spartans. Franco (0-4) recorded the loss.

The Dons return to non-conference action on Friday at Benedetti Diamond for the first game of a three-game weekend series with the Hornets of Sacramento State. USF will play at home on Friday and Saturday and then travel for the final game to Sacramento.