University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA
Kansas St
Loudabarger Helps K-State Earn Come-From-Behind Win Over UCLA, 8-5.
April 20, 2001 | Baseball
April 20, 2001
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Senior second baseman J.D. Loudabarger broke a 5-all tie in the bottom of the seventh inning with a one-out, run-scoring single to left field, as Kansas State came from behind to defeat UCLA, 8-5, on Friday afternoon at Frank Myers Field.
With the win, Kansas State moved to 18-21 overall, while UCLA fell to 25-14 on the season. The Wildcats have now won two in a row and six of their last seven contests. The team has won seven of its last nine games since breaking a five-game losing streak on April 7.
UCLA opened the scoring in the top of the first inning, as outfielder John Campanella tagged a double to left-center field with one out then scored on a double to right-center field on the next at-bat by Brian Baron. Kansas State tied it in the bottom of the inning, as junior shortstop Osmar Castillo scored from third base on a passed ball by Bruin catcher Casey Grzecka. The Bruins took the lead again in the second inning with a solo shot by shortstop Preston Griffin then expanded it to 3-1 on a solo home run by outfielder Ben Francisco.
Kansas State took the lead for the first time in the bottom of the third inning, as the Wildcats scored three runs on just one hit and one Bruin error. UCLA then tied it for third time in the game with a run-scoring single by John Campanella in the fourth inning then took the lead again with the third solo home run of the game by a Bruin hitter in the fifth inning, this time by first baseman Eric Reece. The Wildcat tied it again in the bottom of the sixth inning at 5-all on a sacrifice fly by freshman Ty Soto.
With the score still tied at 5-all in the bottom of the seventh, Kansas State got a walk and a fielder's choice and an error by the second baseman to lead off the inning then moved both runners up and into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Osmar Castillo. Loudabarger fired his single to left field that scored what turned out to be the winning run. After a pitching change, catcher Josh Cavender doubled to right-center field to give Kansas State a couple of insurance runs and the final 8-5 score.
Senior Josh Cavender tallied a team-best three RBIs and a run scored on a 1-for-4 afternoon to lead Kansas State offensively, while senior J.D. Loudabarger posted a 2-for-2 afternoon with a RBI and run scored to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 11 games. Junior shortstop Osmar Castillo and junior outfielder Nick Sorensen each posted two runs scored. Reigning Big 12 Player of the Week Pat Maloney extended his team-tying hitting streak to 11 games with his 1-for-2 afternoon.
Shortstop Preston Griffin posted a 2-for-3 afternoon with a his third home run of the season to lead the UCLA offensively, while outfielder John Campanella added a 2-for-4 performance with a RBI and a run scored. First baseman Eric Reese recorded his seventh home run of the season with a solo shot in fifth, while outfielder Ben Francisco posted his third with solo effort in third inning.
Senior left-handed pitcher Scott Tallman (1-1) earned his win of the season, as he allowed no runs on just two hits with a season-best four strikeouts in the final three innings of relief of starting pitcher Luke Robertson. Robertson picked up his first no-decision of the season, as he allowed five runs on five hits with six strikeouts and a walk in six innings of work.
Junior right-handed pitcher Josh Karp (4-1) picked up his first loss of the season, as he allowed three earned runs (eight overall) on five hits with six strikeouts and three walks in 6-1/3 innings.
Kansas State continues the three-game series with UCLA on Saturday with first pitch set for 4 p.m. CST at Frank Myers Field.
