San Luis Obispo, CA (February 18) -- USF tacked on three runs in the first inning off Cal Poly's starting pitcher Jesse Gallup, but could not hold on to 4-2 advantage entering the eighth inning, losing to the Mustangs 5-4 at SLO Baseball Stadium.

USF senior starter Ian Perio pitched 7 1/3 innings, surrendering four runs off five hits while striking out six. Unfortunately, the Dons' bullpen could not close the deal as Cal Poly tied the game with a two-run eighth and added the decisive run in the ninth off USF's third error of the night. Senior closer Jeff Bowman struck out three and surrendered one hit, but allowed two walks in suffering the loss.

Junior infielder Tag Bozied led the Dons offensively with a 2-5 performance and scored twice, but committed two costly errors. Junior infielder Chad Soares also went 2-5 for the Dons. USF plays the second game in the series tomorrow when they play Cal Poly at 1:00 PM.