April 7, 2002

Final Stats

Moraga, CA (April 7)- Loyola Marymount University (14-19/7-4 WCC) defeated the Saint Mary's Gaels (11-16/4-5), 8-2, thanks to a five-run ninth inning on Sunday at Louis Gusto Field. Sophomore Billy Lockin finished 4-for-4 with three runs and two stolen bases as the Lions take game three of the series and remain in first place in the West Division of the West Coast Conference.

The Lions wasted no time getting on the board as Lockin led off with a single to center field. After freshman Joe Frazee walked, senior Kris Zacuto followed with a double to left center, scoring Lockin. Zacuto's double was his 60th of his four-year career, putting him one behind Billy Bean for third all-time at LMU.

In the bottom half of the first inning, Saint Mary's Mark Teahen would help the Gaels to even the score with a double to left field. First baseman Brian Houle followed Teahen with a single to score Teahen.

The Gaels would score again in the second inning to give them a 2-1 advantage. This time it was Brett Wayne who began the rally with his third triple on the season down the right field line. Lead-off hitter Jason Waugh followed with his only hit of the day, this one a double to right center, which would score Wayne.

LMU would tie the score at two in the top half of the sixth. After Zacuto grounded out, senior Tommy Perez singled to left field. Sophomore Joshua Whitesell and freshman Jonathan Oller then both followed with a single, loading up the bases. After an Anthony Santana strikeout, Sean Smith walked, scoring Perez. The Lions, however, would just get the one run and finished the game with 10 runners left on base.

The Lions would take the eventual lead in the top of the seventh. Lockin connected on his third hit of the day and Frazee then followed with a hit of his own, advancing Lockin to third. Bowden would get Zacuto to ground out into a double play but only after Lockin scored to give LMU a 3-2 advantage. Frazee's single extends his hitting streak to 16 games.

The Gaels offense would go scoreless in the final three innings and the Lions would score five runs in the ninth to extend their lead to 8-2. Lockin, Frazee, Whitesell, Oller, Santana, and Smith all recorded hits in the inning to put the ball game out of reach for the Gaels to make a comeback.

LMU's starting pitcher Vincent Cordova improved his overall record to 5-2 after going six and a one-third innings, giving up two runs on six hits. Sophomore Joshua Muecke earned his second straight, entering the game at 3-2. He would finish the final 2.1 innings and allow just one hit and strike out one.

LMU travels to Long Beach State on Tuesday, April 9. The game will be broadcast live at www.LMULions.com starting at 6 p.m.

-GO LIONS-