Tyson Van Winkle

April 4, 2008

San Diego, Calif. - The Gonzaga University baseball team opened a three-game West Coast Conference series with No. 17 University of San Diego Friday falling 10-2 at Cunningham Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

GU (16-12, 1-2 WCC) starter Brandon Harmon (2-4) suffered the loss as the senior allowed nine runs, five earned, on seven hits while striking out 2 over 6.0 frames. Cory Powell and Jeremy Stumetz each saw time out of the bullpen for the Zags. San Diego (20-11, 2-2 WCC) broke a three-game losing streak as starter Brian Matsuz (6-1) pitched 7.0 innings, allowing two runs on six hits while posting eight punch outs.

The Zags held the Toreros scoreless until the third inning. In the frame, San Diego posted three runs on three hits and two costly Bulldog errors. Sean Nichol and Victor Sanchez each earned runs batted in during the inning for USD.

San Diego continued to extend its lead in the bottom of the fourth with three more runs. Josh Romanski and Nick McCoy each recorded run-scoring hits to plate the first two runs before McCoy scored on a GU error.

Logan Gelbrich assisted the Toreros broaden their advantage in the fifth as the outfielder recorded a solo home run to lead off the inning. USD posted another home run in the sixth as Romanski hit a two-run shot to bring the score to 9-0.

Gonzaga avoided the shutout with two runs in the top of the seventh. With the bases loaded and two outs, Tyson Van Winkle hit into a San Diego error that scored both Drew Heid and Evan Wells.

Van Winkle led the Zags at the plate with two singles. Despite five other Bulldogs recording hits, Gonzaga was held to all one-base hits.

The Zags will look to rebound Saturday, as they face off with the Toreros in game two. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.