Box Score May 17, 2015 Box Score
The Lions scored seven runs over the first four innings on Sunday afternoon, but it was a five-run 10th that proved to be the ticket to victory as LMU defeated San Francisco 12-7 in 10 innings to earn a sweep and a spot in the WCC Championship Tournament next weekend in Stockton, Calif.
The big hit came off the bat of freshman Billy Wilson as he laced a two-RBI double down the right field line with the bases loaded and nobody out. The Lions loaded the bases by way of two walks and a bunt single from Ted Boeke. Pinch-hitter Jamey Smart also contributed a big hit in the inning, shooting a two-RBI single into centerfield to bring home Wilson and Boeke. The Lions added one more insurance run on a single from Austin Miller, sending the game into the bottom of the 10th.
The Lions belted two home runs in the victory on Sunday, as David Edwards belted his fifth, a three-run shot in the third, and Tanner Donnels connected on his sixth, a two-run homer in the fourth. Edwards finished the game 3-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBI, while Miller went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI out of the second spot in the order.
Freshman Sean Watkins turned in a strong start but took a no decision, allowing just two runs over five innings and leaving with a 7-2 lead. USF refused to go down without a fight, scoring once in the fifth, one in the seventh, twice in the eighth and two more in the bottom of the ninth off of J.D. Busfield to force extra innings.
Sophomore David Fletcher had a game-saving diving stop in the bottom of the ninth, ranging into the hole and stopping what could have been the game-winning hit with two out. Instead of rolling into left field, Fletcher kept the ball on the infield, loading the bases but keeping the winning run at third. The Lions got out of the inning one play later, setting the table for the explosive 10th.
Despite allowing the tying runs to score in the ninth, Busfield pitched a perfect 10th, striking out two, to record the victory and move to 4-2. Matt Narahara was impressive in relief for USF, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings before eventually walking the first two in the 10th and ultimately being charged with two runs and taking the loss to fall to 1-4.
LMU will make the trip to Banner Island Ballpark for the second consecutive year this week, opening play on Thursday with an opponent still to be determined. BYU and Saint Mary's will play a makeup game on Monday, with the game result dictating seeding in the tournament. If the Cougars win, they are the #3 seed and would play Pepperdine on Thursday. If the Cougars lose, LMU is the #3 seed. Top-seeded USD will play the #4 seed.
