Arizona falls to Dons in finale
Reporter- Kayla Anderson, Sports Anchor
TUCSON (Arizona Ahlteics) - Eager to avoid a sweep, visiting San Francisco jumped out to an early lead and then pulled away late from 10th-ranked Arizona, handing the Wildcats a 9-2 defeat before a crowd of 2,635 at Hi Corbett Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Dons scored twice in the first inning against Arizona starter Stephen Manthei, who struggled with his control. The righty walked the first two batters he faced before allowing an RBI single to Derek Anderson. A third walk to Zachary Turner loaded the bases, and the Wildcats made a quick pitching change.
Arizona threatened in the home half of the sixth, but mustered just one run. With one out, Zach Gibbons tripled to left-center and scored on a passed ball. Riley Moore then drew a walk, by Cecilia was able to force Johnny Field to fly out. Releiver Haden Hinkle then struck out Brandon Dixon to keep a two-run advantage in tact.
Arizona scored its only other run of the game in the bottom of the ninth. With a leadoff single, Dixon reached base for the 13th-straight game to open the season. He moved to third on Newman's second hit of the game and scored on a sacrifice fly by Ryan Koziol.
The Wildcats continue an 18-game homestand this week with five more games at Hi Corbett Field. Texas Tech is in town for games on Tuesday (6 p.m. MST) and Wednesday (1 p.m.), before Columbia visits for a three-game set next weekend, March 8-10.
Follow us on Twitter @KGUNSports
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.