Stanford, Calif. The University of Nevada(0-3) baseball team saw its record fall to 0-3 after dropping a 4-3 decision to Stanford(3-2) at Sunken Diamond in Stanford, Calif. Tuesday afternoon. The Wolf Pack attempted to rally in the top of the ninth inning but left the tying run on third base and the go ahead run at first base when the final out was recorded.
Trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning with one down pinch hitter Mike Hale singled and shortstop Kevin Rodland followed with a single that put runners on the corners. Second baseman David Ciarlo then popped up to second base and catcher Tyson Jaquez grounded out to third base as the Cardinal held on for the victory.
The Cardinal struck first in the bottom of the second inning sending seven players to the plate and two scored. With one down left fielder Joey August singled and third baseman Zach Jones followed with a double moving both runners into scoring position. A wild pitch by Pack starter Mario Rivera scored the first run and with two down shortstop Jake Schlander singled home Jones and Stanford led 2-0.
In the top of the fifth inning the Pack got on the score board scoring three runs with the aid of just one hit. With two down Rodland was hit by pitch and Ciarlo walked. Jaquez then delivered the big blow blasting a three-run homer down the left field line to put Nevada on top 3-2.
The Cardinal regained the lead with a pair of runs in their half of the fifth inning. Second baseman Cord Phelps started the inning with a single and designated hitter Brendan Domaracki drew a walk. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position. Center fielder Sean Ratliff singled home the first run and catcher Jason Castro’s sacrifice fly put Stanford on top to stay 4-3.
Third baseman Jason Rodriguez(2-for-4) led the Pack with two hits. Jaquez finished with a game-high three RBI coming on his first home run of the season.
Phelps(4-for-5,R) tallied a career and game-high four hits for the Cardinal. Ratliff(2-for-3,RBI), first baseman Brent Millerville(2-for-2) and Schandler(2-for-4,RBI) had two hits each for Stanford. Three different Cardinal hitters finished with an RBI in the game.
Rivera(0-1) took the loss allowing four runs on seven hits in the game. Four Pack relievers combined to toss four innings of shutout baseball. Cardinal starter Max Fearnow(1-0) got the win despite allowing three runs on two hits in the game. Reliever David Stringer(2) earned his second save of the season pitching four shutout innings.
Nevada continues on to Frisco, Texas to play in the Southwest Diamond Classic being played at Dr. Pepper Ballpark. Thursday the Pack plays Dallas Baptist at 7:00 p.m. central time. On Friday Nevada takes on Alabama at 2:00 p.m. and close out the tournament versus UT Arlington at 1:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
