No. 17-ranked Arizona kept the Long Beach State baseball team scoreless for seven innings Sunday en route to a 7-1 victory in the finale of a three-game series at Blair Field on Sunday afternoon.
Wildcats starting pitcher Tyler Hale (2-0) allowed just four hits and struck out five in seven strong innings.
The Wildcats (5-1) started the scoring early.
A base hit, steal and a walk by the top of the Arizona order loaded the bases for cleanup hitter Robert Ryfsnyder, who hit a two-run single. The Wildcats scored two more times that inning off a sacrifice hit and a line drive to center field; their run-to-hit ratio was even at 4-for-4 that inning.
Dirtbags starting pitcher Branden Pinder (0-2) allowed two more runs in his fourth and final inning. He gave up six earned runs on eight hits.
“Pitching for us isn’t so great,” said Dirtbags center fielder Brennan Metzger, who went 1-for-4 and scored the only run for LBSU (2-5).
The Dirtbags’ lone run came around to score in in the eighth inning on an error by Arizona second baseman Bryce Ortega.
“[Arizona] ran some pretty good arms.” Dirtbags head coach Troy Buckley said.
The Dirtbags struck out eight times out of their 34 at-bats. Both of their attempts at bunts to try and create some offense failed as both were popped high and caught.
“We need to get better at the plate,” LBSU catcher Mike Marjama said..
Buckley has also been without his starting catcher, Kellen Hoime, due to an injury. As a result, several players had to shift around.
Marjama, who never played catcher during his time at Sacramento City College, was moved from third base to behind the plate. Second baseman Matt Duffy moved to third and Jeff McNeil filled the whole at second.
Hoime is expected to be out for several more weeks.
LBSU will next host USC Tuesday at Blair Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
“We can only go up from here,” Metzger said.
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