Jeff Cusick Delivers Game-Winning Hit in 6-5 Win Over UCLA
April 8, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --- Sophomore Jeff Cusick singled up the middle to score Ollie Linton in the top of the 10th inning and No. 7 UC Irvine went on to record 6-5 win over UCLA Tuesday at Jackie Robinson Stadium. With the win, UCI climbed to 21-5 overall while the Bruins fell to 14-13 on the season.
Junior Tony Asaro put UCI on the board, belting a solo home run in the top of the third, his second of the season. Shortstop Ben Orloff's bunt single scored catcher Aaron Lowenstein to give UCI a 2-0 edge.
The Anteaters added three in the fourth on a two-run triple by Josh Tavelli and a sacrifice fly by Asaro. Asaro was 1 for 2 with two RBI while Tavelli also drove in a pair of runs.
UCLA responded with a run in the bottom of the sixth and hit back-to-back home runs off reliever Noel Avison to cut the lead to 5-3.
The Bruins then tied the game in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run single by Alden Carrithers. Jermaine Curtis drew a walk and stole second but Anteater reliever Tom Calahan struck out Brandon Crawford to end the threat.
UCI closer Eric Pettis earned the win to improve to 3-0 after holding UCLA to one hit while striking out two and walking two.
UCLA's Tim Murphy fell to 2-3 afer giving up the game-winner in one inning. Starter Garrett Claypool went three innings and allowed two runs on four hits.
UCI starter Christian Bergman hurled four scoreless innings, scattering three hits while striking out two and walking one. Lowenstein was 2 for 4 while Orloff was 1 for 2 with two walks and a sacrifice hit.
The Anteaters resume Big West Conference action this week against No. 20 Long Beach State.
