By Al Scott
The Bulldogs chance for sweep was put to rest on Saturday afternoon as Air Force used a five-run rally in the third inning to defeat the Diamond Dogs 8-3. First baseman Cayden Munster homered for the third time this season.
Despite the loss, remains first place in the Mountain West with a 12-6 record in conference. Head Coach Ryan Overland remains optimistic going forward.
“We’ve won almost every [conference] series to this point, but that’s one you’d definitely like to get back,” Overland said. “Overall, we’re doing pretty good though. It’s time to get back on a roll.”
What happened
After a pair of scoreless innings to begin the game, Air Force jumped on Fresno State starter Kaleb Hay for five runs in the third inning, thanks to a pair of walks and five hits including a two-run single from left fielder Christian Taylor. Hay finished the inning before his day ended, striking out three over three frames on 69 pitches.
With two men on in the bottom of the fourth, Fresno State right fielder Bobby Blandford roped a ball to right field to score Murf Gray. It was all they got though.
Air Force used three singles to extend its lead to 6-1 in the top of the fifth inning. In the bottom half of the frame, Munster hit his third home run of the year, a solo shot over the right centerfield wall to make it 6-2.
After a scoreless inning from freshman Tyler Patrick in the sixth inning, Fresno State turned to Caleb Anderson who gave up a pair of hits in the 7th. Air Force managed to score one of them on a ground out.
The Bulldogs loaded the bases in the bottom half of the seventh with a walk and two singles. A fly ball to left from Owen Faust scored one run. Two batters later, a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position for Gray. Falcons reliever Davis Rhyne used a breaking ball to get Gray swinging in the dirt, ending the potential Bulldog rally.
Air Force put two men on in the eighth inning against JT Guerrero but the rally was stifled on a double play turned by left fielder BJ Rodriguez, who fired a strike to Gray to end the inning.
“It was a great play, he’s got a really good arm. It’s the reason why we use him on the mound as well,” Overland said.
The Falcons extended its lead to 8-3 in the top of the ninth on a solo blast to right field from Zach Peters, his fifth of the season.
Injury report
Catcher Justin Stransky was hit in the head on Saturday but remained in the game and was feeling “ok.” The Bulldogs will be without reliever Drew Townson (foot) though for the foreseeable future. The right-hander left the game on Friday against Air Force. Townson has been one of the more steadier options out of the ‘pen for Overland, with a 4.06 ERA in 31 innings pitched this season.
It is a big loss for the team that already lost Jake Riding (arm) for the season and Victor Arreola (back), who is questionable to return in 2025.
What’s next
The Bulldogs will head to the coast on Tuesday for a mid week matchup at Cal Poly, first pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.
Fresno State hosts Washington State at Bob Bennett Stadium next weekend for a three game series with the Cougars.