June 2, 2008
FULLERTON, CA - Junior Erik Komatsu's two-run single keyed a four-run second inning and host Cal State Fullerton scored four more times in the eighth inning to break open a close game as the Titans defeated UCLA, 11-8, to stave off elimination and force a deciding game seven.
Coupled with its 4-1 win over Virginia earlier in the day, Fullerton (40-20), which reached 40 wins for the 23rd time in the history of the program, will battle the Bruins (33-26) on Monday night at 8:06 p.m. for the right to advance to the super regional round.
Sophomore Michael Morrison (2-2) earned the win in relief of starter Daniel Renken, entering in the fifth and allowing just one run on three hits in 2 1/3 innings of work. Senior Adam Jorgenson clinched his 11th save of the season in 2 1/3 innings of relief despite giving up three runs on four hits in the ninth inning.
Gavin Brooks (6-3) suffered the loss for the Bruins, allowing three runs on a single hit, walking three and hitting a pair of batters in just an inning and a third.
A bases-loaded balk broke a 1-1 tie in the second and set the stage for Komatsu's shot back up the middle scoring Christian Colon and Joe Scott for the 3-1 advantage. The Titans would add another run on an RBI double by Clark in the inning for a four-run advantage they would never relinquish.
Joel Weeks' bases-clearing double in the eighth gave Fullerton a six-run cushion that the Titans would need as Brandon Crawford slugged a two-run home run with one out in the ninth and Blair Dunlap singled home a run to cut the deficit in half and bring the tying run to the plate.
Jorgenson worked away from any further damage, however, inducing Jermaine Curtis into ground into a game-ending fielder's choice.
Five Titans finished with multiple hits on the night, including Komatsu's three-run, two-RBI night. Jared Clark also finished with two hits and two RBI.
Six Bruins accounted for all of the team's hits, including three-hit nights by Dunlap, Alden Carrithers, and Brady Dolan. Crawford finished with a team-high three RBI on the night.