April 26, 2003

(Moraga, CA) - USF bounced back into the victory column and jumped into the West Coast Conference divisional race, sweeping a double-header against Saint Mary's, taking game one 6-3 and taking a 6-1 victory in the nightcap on a complete game effort from senior right-hander Bryan Williams (5-3). USF (18-26, 11-12 WCC) defeated Saint Mary's (17-24-1, 7-12-1 WCC) for the ninth consecutive time with the 6-1 victory in game two.

It was a good day for senior right-handers as Kevin Annis (4-3) pitched 6.1 innings in game one, allowing three runs off nine hits while striking out seven to pick up his second West Coast Conference victory of the season. In game two Williams allowed just one run off five hits and struck out seven to pick up his second complete game of the season.

Junior outfielder Joe Jacobitz went 4-for-9 with four RBI in the double-header, while sophomore infielder Cy Donald also went 4-for-9 with three runs scored. Senior outfielder Nick Tarbat also enjoyed a successful day at the plate with a 3-for-6, two RBI day.

USF 6, Saint Mary's 1 (Game 2): USF pounded out 14 hits as the Dons completed the double-header sweep against Saint Mary's 6-1. USF wasted no time getting on the scoreboard scoring a pair of runs in the first off consecutive singles by freshman outfielder Jonnie Knoble, Donald and and RBI single from junior infielder Armand Gaerlan. Senior outfielder Jason Howard knocked in another with a sacrifice fly.

Senior Nick Tarbat gave the Dons a 3-0 lead in the second with a sacrifice fly, scoring senior designated hitter Ryan Sittauer. San Francisco added a pair of runs in the fifth as Tarbat singled and stole second. Donald walked and another single by Gaerlan loaded the bases for Jacobitz, who responded with a two-run single to right, giving USF a 5-0 lead.

Saint Mary's scored a run in the seventh, but would do no more damage. The Dons added another run in the ninth on an RBI single from Gaerlan, scoring Tarbat who singled to lead off the inning.

Gaerlan led the way offensively, going 3-for-5 with two RBI, while Jacobitz, Tarbat and Fukuroku each collected a pair of hits.

USF 6, Saint Mary's 3(Game 1): San Francisco erupted for five runs in the third inning and cruised to the 6-3 victory behind solid pitching and a 15 hit day for the Dons' offense. Donald led things off in the decisive third with a leadoff single and advanced to third on a double to deep left center by Howard. Jacobitz drove in the pair with a single to right. After Sittauer was hit by a pitch a Fukuroku base hit and a costly Gaels error allowed two more runs to score for the Dons. Knoble closed out the third with an RBI single, scoring Fukuroku.

USF added an insurance run in the seventh on an RBI single from Tarbat, plating Jacobitz who singled to leadoff the inning. Donald finished 3-for-5 , while Howard also went 3-for-5 at the plate with a pair of doubles. Jacobitz and Knoble each drove in a pair of runs on two-hit days, while Fukuroku also drove in a pair.

Junior left-hander Derek Tate earned his second save of the season in relief of Annis, going 2.2 hitless innings, allowing just one Gael batter to reach.

USF returns to action Sunday in the series finale at Louis Guisto Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM.