University Southern California Trojans
USC
Cal Fullerton
Baseball Falls To Cal State Fullerton, 5-4
April 05, 2000 | Baseball
April 5, 2000
LOS ANGELES -- First baseman Aaron Rifkin's RBI single in the top of the ninth completed a five-run rally as the No. 5 Cal State Fullerton recorded a 5-4 win Wednesday over No. 14 USC in a non-conference game at Dedeaux Field. Kirk Saarloos (5-2) picked up the win in relief for the Titans while Pete Montrenes (3-1) suffered the loss for USC.
USC (22-11) had a 4-0 lead going into the ninth. Mark Todd walked Brett Kay to lead off the inning. Montrenes entered the game and walked pinch hitter Robert Guzman and gave up a single to pinch hitter Matt Belfanti to load the bases. A fielder's choice by Chris Stringfellow scored the first Titan run and David Bacani followed by popping up to second baseman Anthony Lunetta for the second out. Steve Woodward walked to load the bases again for Cal State Fullerton (20-8). Right fielder Jason Corapci on a full count fouled off several pitches and then hit a two-run single down the right field line. Jake Epstein singled to center to tie the game before Rifkin followed with the game-winning hit.
Ronald Flores had a solid start for the Trojans, going five innings and not allowing any runs with only two hits.
The Trojans will travel to UCLA on Friday to begin a three-game series for first place in the Pac-10 Conference at 6 p.m.
| CSF 000-000-005 --- 5-7-0 |
| USC 120-100-000 --- 4-7-1 |
Corona, Carralejo (6), Saarloos (8) and Kay, Patterson (9).
Flores, Petke (6), Todd (8), Montrenes (9) and Craig.
WP - Saarloos (5-2) LP - Montrenes (3-1)
Home Runs: USC - Gemoll (9), 2nd inning, none on Concepcion (3), 2nd inning, none on
T: 3:06 ATT: 425
