Dons Baseball Falls To Houston 10-8 :: Joey Railey and Mitchell Bialosky Have Two Hits Each for USF

March 16, 2008

(Houston, TX) - San Francisco put up six runs in the sixth, but couldn't come all the way back in the rubber match with Houston, falling 10-8 on Sunday at Cougar Field. Despite two losses this weekend, the Dons (8-10) offense was on fire with 34 hits (eight doubles and a homerun) and scored 17 runs against a tough Cougar (12-6) team.

Houston got out to a quick 9-1 lead after just four innings before the Dons opened up the fifth with six runs to make it a much closer 9-7 score. USF batted around in the inning and scored four runs before making an out. With the bases loaded, senior second baseman Joey Railey singled through the left side, scoring one. Freshman center fielder Connor Bernatz walked in a run, then sophomore third baseman Derek Poppert singled in another one. Senior first baseman Mitchell Bialosky singled in the fourth run before senior pinch hitter Matt Lieb struck out to make the first out of the inning. Senior right fielder Kyle Morgan hit into a fielder's choice, allowing Bernatz to score. The final run came when Lipkin reached on an error by Cougars sophomore right-handed pitcher Barrett Bruce. The Dons had the bases loaded once more, but senior shortstop Tavo Hall struck out to end the inning.

Houston put up an insurance run in the seventh, and the Dons tried to come back once more in the eighth. With one out and runners on first and third, Bernatz hit a sacrifice fly to center, plating one.

Railey led the Dons at the plate, going 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Bialosky also had two hits and an RBI. Bernatz and junior designated hitter Drew Johnson doubled. Bernatz also added two RBI. Poppert, Kim, and sophomore pinch hitter Bobby Ethel singled for USF.

Senior right-hander Brian Anderson (1-2) took the loss for the Dons, allowing five earned runs off four hits, three walks, and struck out two Cougars in 2.0 innings.

Bruce (3-0) earned the win for the Cougars in relief, allowing one unearned run off two hits, two walks, and struck out two Dons in 2.0 innings. Sophomore center fielder Zak Presley led the Cougars at the plate, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

USF returns to action this Tuesday, facing Fresno State at Benedetti Diamond. First pitch is set for 2:00 PM.