FULLERTON, Calif. – No. 8 Cal State Fullerton battled back from an early deficit, and unleashed an eight-run inning in the sixth as the Titans completed the season sweep of Nebraska with a 10-4 victory on Wednesday night at Goodwin Field.
Trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the sixth, the Titans took advantage of some self-inflicted wounds by Nebraska (6-13) to score eight runs on six hits – the highest scoring Titan inning of 2013.
With the win, Fullerton also improves to 18-3 this season, the program's best start since the program opened the year 31-2 in 1996. Fullerton also completes the season sweep of Nebraska at 4-0.
In the bottom of the sixth with Tyler King on the mound pitching in relief of Nebraska starter Jeff Chestnut, King plunked back-to-back batters in Chad Wallach and pinch-hitter Austin Diemer. The Huskers went to the bullpen and Zach Hirsch loaded the bases as Clay Williamson put down a clever bunt single.
Matt Chapman then smacked a 3-2 pitch into right field to score two runs and even the game at 4-4.
Carlos Lopez then delivered a RBI single that found a hole through the left side, scoring Williamson as the go ahead run. Lopez and Chapman then executed the double steal to set the table for J.D. Davis' two run single that increased Fullerton's lead to 7-4.
For the second time in the inning, Nebraska again looked to its bullpen as right-hander Caleb Hawkins was called to duty, but that didn't halt the Titans. Jake Jefferies laced a one-run, two-out double down the left field line that scored Michael Lorenzen, and Fullerton continued the two-out effort as Chad Wallach's triple to right center gave CSF a 9-4 advantage. Wallach scored the 10th run on a wild pitch before the sixth came to a close.
Kyle Murray (1-0), the fourth Titan pitcher to appear in the game for the Titans, was credited with the win after entering the game in the top of the sixth. Murray pitched two shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while fanning one.
Hirsch (1-2) took the loss for Nebraska, charged with four runs on four hits in 1/3 of an inning. Husker starter Jeff Chestnut allowed two runs on two hits while walking four in three innings.
In his first career start for the Titans, Bryan Conant tossed three innings, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks while fanning two. In addition to Murray, Henry Omana, David Birosak, Jose Cardona and Joe Navilhon also appeared in relief.
In the fifth with Birosak making his first appearance in 2013, Chad Christensen hammered a solo home run on his 2-0 offering over the wall in left center to give the Huskers a 4-2 lead.
Chapman finished the night 2-for-4, driving in three runs while scoring one run. Davis also batted 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Williamson also added a multiple-hit night with a 2-for-4 effort and two runs scored.
The Titans return to action on Friday, beginning a three-game non-conference series at Long Beach State.
Notes: For the first time this season, Richy Pedroza did not start at shortstop… Fullerton's eight-run sixth inning was the team's largest scoring inning since a nine-run effort vs. TCU on Feb. 26, 2012…Fullerton's 18-3 start is the best for the program since the 1996 squad opened the year 31-2….the Titans also completed the season sweep of Nebraska at 4-0...the Titans came from behind for the sixth time this year.