Mark Seyler got the start for the Aztecs and Jimmy Lambert had his 6th career start for the Fresno State Bulldogs. Seyler had 4 strikeouts.
Seyler got into a jam in the top of the 2nd with runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, but struck out Brody Russell with a sharp inside breaking ball to get 2 outs, but didn’t get the strikeout on Manny Argomaniz on a ball that got away from catcher Brad Haynal. He was able to get Ryan Dobson to pop up to end the inning, however.
In the top of the 4th inning, Seyler struck out Taylor Ward when he wasn’t looking, causing a challenge from the Fresno State manager, but the strikeout call stood.
Play was almost stopped due to a swarm of bees in the bottom of the 4th, but it resumed.
Tim Zier got a single to left center in the Aztecs’ half of the 4th. Ty France walked to give the Aztecs a runner in scoring position. Seby Zavala lined out to advance the runners to 2nd and 3rd, but the inning ended on a lineout to the Bulldogs shortstop to strand the runners and retire the side.
Tim Zier bobbled a groundout ball in the away half of the 6th, but made up for it by coming up with an excellent double play off of Fresno State designated hitter Trent Woodward to end a shabby inning.
The pitchers’ duel continued into the bottom of the 6th, but Tim Zier singled with 2 outs and it was up to Ty France, who lined it into right, driving in Zier and ending the duel and doubling, bringing the Aztecs up 1-0. Seby Zavala was hit by a pitch. Runners were on 1st and 2nd for the Aztecs.
Jimmy Lambert was taken out in the bottom of the 7th in favor of Derick Velazquez. He gave up a single to Evan Potter, which brought up Greg Allen. A throwing error by shortstop Ryan Dobson allowed Allen to double and for Potter to reach 3rd base. However, Velazquez was able to get out of that jam.
In the 8th, Seyler walked Austin Guibor and that was it for him. Closer Michael Cederoth was brought in. He left 2 runners stranded.
Jake Shull was brought in to pitch for the Bulldogs in the bottom of the 8th. He gave up a single to Zavala and Haynal, which gave the Aztecs another scoring opportunity. CJ Saylor pinch hit for Tyler Adkison after a Spencer Thornton single. Runners were on the corners for the Aztecs. Shull struck out Saylor, however, to strand the runners and end the inning, and it was on to the 9th. Cederoth closed out the game and the Aztecs took this one, 1-0.