Baseball News

Broncos Sprint To A Comeback Victory
Cal Poly Pomona gets two runs on infield single to edge Azusa Pacific, 8-7

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team used some clutch hitting and some speed to rally for an exciting victory Tuesday afternoon at Scolinos Field.

The Broncos scored four times in the ninth inning – the final two runs scoring on an infield single – and edged Azusa Pacific, 8-7, Tuesday. The winning runs came on a two-out, bases-loaded infield single by Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS). With Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Atascadero HS) running from second base and Caleb Allen (So., Poway, Poway HS) running from first, Evans hit a chopper up the middle. Shortstop James O’Neill was able to field the ball before it reached centerfield, but Allen was already on second base by the time he got to the ball. Lopez sped around third base and scored easily when a throw was made to first base.

Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) had three hits and scored twice for the Broncos (18-12), while Evan Barnhart (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) had a pair of hits and scored twice. Bryan Jackson (Jr., Placentia, Orange Coast College) blanked the Cougars on two hits over the final two innings to pick up the win for Cal Poly Pomona.

Chase Dunning had a big day at the plate for Azusa Pacific (12-13). He had a pair of hits and drove in five runs for the Cougars. Scott Hodsdon and O’Neill had two hits each for the Cougars.

Russell Smith (Sr., Brawley, Brawley HS) went 6 1/3 strong innings for the Broncos, allowing only three runs over the first six innings. He tired in the seventh inning, when Azusa Pacific scored four times to take a 7-2 lead.

Brandon Sisk started for Azusa Pacific and blanked the Broncos over two innings. Jake Boyle also hurled a scoreless inning for the Cougars.

Azusa Pacific scored twice in the first inning on a two-run single by Dunning.

Cal Poly Pomona tied it with two runs in the fifth inning on a two-run triple by Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton), but the Cougars took a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Dunning.

The Cougars then scored four times in the seventh to take a 7-2 lead. O’Neill had a run-scoring single, Stephen Vogt drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run and Dunning singled in two runs.

Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS) singled in a run in the seventh and Denning walked with the bases loaded to force in a run in the eighth, setting the stage for Cal Poly Pomona’s four-run rally in the ninth.

Lopez drew a bases-loaded walk to force in one run and Allen singled in another before Evans’ hit won the game.

Cross Named CCAA Pitcher Of The Week
Cal Poly Pomona junior wins first weekly honor

WALNUT CREEK -- Cal Poly Pomona’s John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) has been named the Wilson California Collegiate Athletic Association Baseball Pitcher of the Week for the week of March 21-28.

Cross went 2-0 with a 0.69 earned run average to lead the Broncos to two of their three victories last week. He fired a one-hit, seven-inning shutout over UC San Diego last Monday in a 7-0 Cal Poly Pomona win at Scolinos Field and he followed that up by allowing only one run and four hits over six innings in a 2-1 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday at Toro Field.

Cross went a total of 13 innings in the two starts and allowed one run on five hits with three walks and 11 strikeouts.

This is the fourth time a Cal Poly Pomona pitcher has earned conference pitching honors. Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) has been honored three times so far this season.

The Broncos are currently 17-12 overall and lead the CCAA South Division with a 15-7 record. Cal Poly Pomona has home games against Azusa Pacific on Tuesday and Concordia University on Friday this week.

Broncos Rebound To Sweep Toros
Cal Poly Pomona rallies for 10-8 win in nightcap of twinbill

CARSON -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team bounced back from a disappointing loss with two important California Collegiate Athletic Association victories Saturday afternoon over Cal State Dominguez Hills.

The Broncos used another outstanding start from John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) to win the opener, 2-1, and then rallied for six runs in the top of the sixth inning to take the nightcap, 10-8 at Toro Field. Cal Poly Pomona (17-12, 15-7) had dropped the opener of the three-games series on Friday when the Toros rallied for three runs in the ninth inning of a 5-3 decision.

Cal Poly Pomona won the opener behind the second strong start of the week for Cross, who improved to 5-1 on the season. Cross, who blanked UC San Diego on Monday, carried a shutout into the seventh inning on Saturday against the Toros and left with a 2-0 lead after allowing a leadoff single. That run came around to score, but John Lee (So., San Dimas, Damien HS) pitched 2 2/3 innings of effective relief and Matt Lusk (Jr., Bakersfield, Bakersfield JC) struck out the only batter he faced with the tying run on second base and the potential winning run on first base to end the game. It was the first save of the season for Lusk.

Cross went six innings and allowed only four hits and two walks while striking out seven.

Cal Poly Pomona scored one of its runs in the third inning run-scoring double by Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hill HS) and its other run in the seventh on a run-scoring single by Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS).

The Broncos then trailed in the nightcap, 7-4, entering the top of the sixth inning. Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State) started the rally with a solo home run. Gonzales followed with a single and Lopez drew a two-out walk to keep the inning alive. Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) singled in a run to make it 7-6 and Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) singled in a run to make it 7-7.

Stevens stole home on a double steal with Mendrin to give the Broncos an 8-7 lead and, after Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) drew a walk, Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) smacked a two-run double to make it 10-7.

Kyle Todd (Fr., Anaheim, Magnolia HS) allowed only three hits and one run over the final 2 2/3 innings to pick up the win for the Broncos.

Falls drove in four runs for the Broncos, who collected 13 hits in the game. Mendrin and Stevens drove in two runs each, while Gonzales added three hits.

Cal Poly Pomona will resume action on Tuesday with a home game against Azusa Pacific.

Cal Poly Pomona Drops Opener To Toros
Broncos fall to three-run, ninth-inning rally

CARSON -- Cal Poly Pomona's baseball team was stunned by a three-run, ninth-inning rally and fell to Cal State Dominguez Hills, 5-3, Friday afternoon in a California Collegiate Athletic Association contest in Carson.

The Broncos (15-12, 13-7) had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the ninth inning on a run-scoring single by Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) and had staff ace Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) on the mound entering the bottom of the inning.

Wilding, though, surrended a game-tying single to Houston Hernandez and Ricky Eda followed with a game-winning two-run home run. Wilding (6-2) lost for the first time in seven conference starts.

Wilding allowed nine hits and five earned runs in 8 1/3 innings of work. He walked one and struck out eight.

The Broncos got single runs in the fourth inning on a run-scoring double by Tony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) and a solo home run by Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College).

The game was tied at 2-2 entering the ninth inning, setting the stage for the dramatic ending.

The two teams will meet in a doubleheader Saturday in Carson to complete a three-game conference series.

Cal Poly Pomona Earns Split With Tritons
Broncos get a 1-hitter from Cross in 7-0 win in nightcap

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona's baseball team got a second straight shutout from John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) and earned an important California Collegiate Athletic Association split Monday.

After UC San Diego took the opener of a CCAA doubleheader, 7-3, Cross tossed a seven-inning one-hitter to lead the Broncos to a 7-0 win in the nightcap. Cal Poly Pomona (15-11, 13-6) took two out of the three games in the CCAA series at Scolinos Field.

Cross, who tossed a three-hit shutout in his last start against Sonoma State last Saturday, allowed only one hit and one walk and faced the minimum of 21 batters in Monday's gem against No. 16 UC San Diego (13-7, 8-5). Cal Poly Pomona turned two double plays behind him. Cross improved his record to 4-1.

Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hill HS) had four hits to lead a 12-hit attack by the Broncos. Cal Poly Pomona jumped out to a 3-0 first-inning lead. Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) had a sacrifice fly and Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State) had a run-scoring groundout to highlight the inning.

Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) drew a bases-loaded walk in the fourth inning to make it 4-0 and the Broncos broke the game open with three runs in the fifth. Lopez had a run-scoring single to highlight the inning.

Cal Poly Pomona outhit the Tritons, 14-9, in the opener, but managed only three runs.

Logan Boutlier improved to 5-1 by scattering 10 hits and allowing only one run to the Broncos in 6 1/3 innings of work. Ryan Leake finished up for the Tritons, allowing four hits and two runs in 2 2/3 innings. The Tritons got one RBI each from Ricky Pinocchio, who belted a solo home run, John Roth, Keith Hernandez, David Morehead, Alex Gascon, Damian Fante and Matt Lawson.

Mendrin and Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) had three hits in the opener for Cal Poly Pomona. Denning drove in two runs for the Broncos.

Cal Poly Pomona will return to action with the opener of a three-game series at Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday.

Cal Poly Pomona Beats Tritons In Opener
Broncos get another strong start from Wilding in 7-3 win

POMONA – Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team got another strong start from Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) and another California Collegiate Athletic Association victory, too.

Wilding went six strong innings and was the beneficiary of a five-run Bronco rally in the bottom of the sixth inning as Cal Poly Pomona defeated UC San Diego, 7-3, Sunday at Scolinos Field in the opener of a three-game CCAA series.

Wilding, who posted shutouts in his previous two starts and was the CCAA Pitcher of the Week after both outings, picked up his sixth straight win and is now 6-0 in conference action and 6-1 overall. He allowed eight hits and three earned runs against the Tritons on Sunday.

The two CCAA South Division rivals will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader on Monday.
Cal Poly Pomona (14-10, 12-5) rallied from a 3-1 deficit with a five-run uprising in the sixth inning. Tony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) broke a 3-3 tie with a sacrifice fly, Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) made it 5-3 when he stole home as part of a double steal and Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State) singled in another run to make it 6-3.

Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) belted a solo home run in the eighth inning for the Broncos to complete the scoring.

Wilding departed after six innings and John Lee (So., West Covina, Damien HS) took over from there. Lee pitched three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, to pick up his second save of the season.

David Gomez had three hits and one of the Tritons’ three RBI in the game. UC San Diego (12-6, 7-4), ranked 16th in the nation, also got run-scoring hits from Damian Fante and David Morehead.

The Tritons took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Fante singled in a run. It was the first run allowed by Wilding in 19 innings.

The Broncos, though, tied it in the bottom of the inning on a run-scoring double by Allen.

UC San Diego got a run in the fourth inning on a run-scoring single by Gomez and added another in the fifth on a run-scoring double by Morehead.

The Broncos grabbed the lead with their five-run sixth inning. Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) started the rally with a single and Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) followed with a double. After Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Allen drew a one-out walk to force in a run. A wild pitch tied the game and Esquer’s sacrifice fly gave the Broncos the lead for good.

Allen had two hits and drove in two runs for the Broncos, while Stevens also had two hits.

Cal Poly Pomona Falls To Seawolves In Finale
Sonoma State salvages series finale, 7-2, on Sunday

POMONA – Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team was unable to complete a four-game California Collegiate Athletic Association sweep against one of the conference’s perennial powers.

Sonoma State got a grand-slam home run from Nate Durham-Hammer to highlight a six-run fourth inning and the Seawolves salvaged the finale of a four-game series with a 7-2 win over the Broncos Sunday at Scolinos Field. Cal Poly Pomona (13-10, 11-5) had a six-game conference winning streak snapped with the defeat.

Dennis Peters drove in three runs for the Seawolves (11-13, 8-9), including a two-run single in the fourth inning that broke a scoreless tie.

William Krout carried a shutout into the ninth inning and wound up scattering 10 hits and allowing only one earned run. Craig DeMartin got the final two outs to preserve the victory for Sonoma State. Both teams stranded 11 baserunners in the game.

The Broncos got run-scoring singles from Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS) and Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State) in the ninth inning to avoid the shutout.

Kyle Todd (So., Anaheim, Magnolia HS) blanked the Seawolves over the first three innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth when the Seawolves scored six of their runs. He finished his outing with 3 1/3 innings pitched and four runs allowed.

The Broncos got some solid relief pitching from Justin Carty (Jr., Upland, Montclair HS) and Mike Quintal (Jr., Santa Clara, San Jose CC), who each tossed two scoreless innings.

Cal Poly Pomona took the first three games of the series. Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) tossed a three-hit shutout to lead the Broncos to a 9-0 win on Friday, the Broncos scored two in the ninth inning to win, 7-6, in the opener of a doubleheader on Saturday and John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) tossed a three-hit shutout to complete the doubleheader sweep in a 5-0 win later Saturday.

Cal Poly Pomona will return to action next Sunday, March 20, for the opener of a three-game CCAA series against UC San Diego.

Cal Poly Pomona Sweeps Sonoma State
Broncos get ninth-inning rally, Cross a shutout in DH sweep

POMONA – Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team picked up two important California Collegiate Athletic Association victories Saturday afternoon.

The Broncos (13-9, 11-7) scored the winning run in the opener on a wild pitch and then got a seven-inning, complete-game shutout from John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) in the nightcap to post a doubleheader sweep of Sonoma State, 7-6 and 5-0 at Scolinos Field.

Cal Poly Pomona rallied from a 6-5 deficit in the opener by scoring a pair of runs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) drove in the tying run on a fielder’s choice and Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hill HS) scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

Matt Lusk (Jr., Bakersfield, Bakersfield JC) pitched two scoreless innings of relief to pick up the first win of his Cal Poly Pomona career.

Mendrin had two hits and three RBI in the opener, while Lopez and Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) had two hits and two RBI each. Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) drove in two runs as well for the Broncos.

Matt Wilhite, Mike Bidwell, Gino Lavezzo, Dennis Peters and Brian Colip had two hits each for the Seawolves (10-13, 7-9).

Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS) hurled seven strong innings for the Broncos, allowing 10 hits and three earned runs.

In the nightcap, Cross (3-1) blanked the Seawolves on just three hits over seven innings, picking up the Broncos’ second shutout in three days. Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) blanked the Seawolves on three hits on Friday afternoon. Cross walked two and struck out eight.

Cal Poly Pomona jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on run-scoring singles by Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) and Mendrin.

The Broncos made it 3-0 in the third inning on a triple by Denning and a single by Mendrin.
Tony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) had a run-scoring single in the fourth inning to highlight a two-run fourth inning for the Broncos.

Cal Poly Pomona and Sonoma State will conclude the series on Sunday with a single game set to begin at 11 a.m.

Cal Poly Pomona Gets Another Wilding Gem
Broncos get three-hitter from Wilding in 11-0 victory

POMONA – Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team got another outstanding pitching performance Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) Friday afternoon in the opener of a California Collegiate Athletic Association series with Sonoma State.

Wilding blanked the Seawolves on just three hits in another complete-game outing and led the Broncos to an 11-0 victory Friday at Scolinos Field. Wilding (5-1) hurled in third shutout in five CCAA starts this season. He is 5-0 in the CCAA so far this season. Wilding didn’t walk a batter and struck out 12.

Wilding was named the CCAA Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season after blanking Cal State Dominguez Hills last Friday, 9-0. He allowed only three hits in that game as well.

The Broncos pounded out 13 hits in the win Friday, including home runs from Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) and Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State). Janowicz had two hits and scored three times.

Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) had a pair of two-run singles in the victory, while Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) had four hits and drove in a run.

Tony Alcantar had two of Sonoma State’s three hits in the game. Matt Wilhite had the other for the Seawolves (10-11, 7-7).

The Broncos jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an unearned run. Cal Poly Pomona then made it 4-0 with a three-run rally in the second inning. Janowicz drove in one run with a single, while Stevens followed later in the inning with a two-run single.

Evans hit a solo home run in the fifth inning and Janowicz hit a solo home run in the sixth inning for the Broncos to give the Broncos a 6-0 lead.

Stevens had a two-run single in the seventh inning and Falls and Tony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) drove in runs in the eighth inning for the Broncos.

Cal Poly Pomona will face Sonoma State in a doubleheader on Saturday at Scolinos Field beginning at 11 a.m.

Broncos Stung By Ninth-Inning Rally
Cal Poly Pomona falls to Northern Kentucky, 9-8

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team liked the start, but did not enjoy the finish Wednesday afternoon in a non-conference game against Northern Kentucky.

The Broncos jumped out to an 8-3 lead after four innings, but fell victim to a four-run ninth-inning rally by Northern Kentucky and lost, 9-8, at Scolinos Field. Cal Poly Pomona (10-9) had a three-game winning streak snapped.

Cal Poly Pomona got early home runs from Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) and Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) while building their early lead. Northern Kentucky, though, scored twice in the seventh inning to make it 8-5 and, after scoring a run and putting two runners on base, got a game-winning three-run home run from Jon Volpe.

John Lee (So., West Covina, Damien HS) took the loss for the Broncos, while Shane Gordon pitched three scoreless innings to get the win for the Norse (5-3). Steve Thomas gave up one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his second save.

Northern Kentucky scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings against Cal Poly Pomona starter Mike Quintal (Jr., Santa Clara, San Jose CC), while the Broncos were scoring runs in the first four innings.

After the Norse took a 1-0 first-inning lead on an RBI double by Conor McGeehan, Stevens got the Broncos even in the bottom of the first with a solo home run. Northern Kentucky took a 2-1 lead in the second on a run-scoring single by Jon Back and the Broncos tied it in the bottom of the inning on a run-scoring single by Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State).

The Broncos then took the lead with a three-run third inning rally. Allen hit a two-run home run – his third of the year – and Janowicz delivered a sacrifice fly.

After Northern Kentucky got one run back in the top of the fourth, the Broncos scored three times in the bottom of the frame to make it 8-3. Allen had an RBI double, while Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) and Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) had RBI singles.

McGeehan hit a two-run homer in the seventh to make it 8-5, setting the stage for the four-run rally in the ninth.

Cal Poly Pomona will resume CCAA play with a four-game series against North Division power Sonoma State beginning on Friday at 2 p.m. at Scolinos Field.

Wilding Named CCAA Pitcher Of The Week
Cal Poly Pomona junior wins second conference honor

WALNUT CREEK -- Cal Poly Pomona’s Taylor Wilding (Jr., Fontana, Etiwanda HS) has been named the Wilson California Collegiate Athletic Association Baseball Pitcher of the Week for the week of Feb. 28-March 6.

Wilding tossed a complete-game three-hit shutout at Cal State Dominguez Hills last Saturday to lead the Broncos to a 9-0 victory. Wilding only allowed three singles and didn’t walk a batter while striking out 13. In four conference games so far this season, Wilding is 4-0 with a 0.84 earned run average. He has three complete games and has walked only six while striking out 43. Overall this season, Wilding is 4-1 with a 1.77 earned run average. He has 11 walks and 44 strikeouts.

This is the second time this season Wilding has been honored by the conference. Previously, he was named the Pitcher of the Week after a one-hit shutout against Cal State L.A. on Feb. 13. In that game, Wilding walked the leadoff batter, then retired the next 25 batters before giving up a one-out double in the ninth inning. He tied a program record with 17 strikeouts, which is just one shy of the CCAA record.

The Broncos will open a four-game CCAA series at home against Sonoma State beginning on Friday with a single game beginning at 2 p.m. The teams will the meet in doubleheader on Saturday at 11 a.m. and conclude the series with a single game on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Broncos Complete A Series Sweep
Cal Poly Pomona gets another strong pitching performance

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team got a third straight strong pitching start and, as a result, a third straight win over Cal State Dominguez Hills.

John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) carried a shutout into the eighth inning and Cal Poly Pomona went on to a 9-2 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills Sunday afternoon at Scolinos Field and a three-game sweep of the California Collegiate Athletic Association series.

The Broncos (10-8, 8-4) started the series with complete-game gems from Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) and Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS) while sweeping a Saturday doubleheader, 9-0 and 7-1.

Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hill HS) had three hits and drove in four runs to lead a 14-hit Cal Poly Pomona offensive attack. Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State) had three hits and scored three times for the Broncos.

Isidro Perez had three hits for the Toros, while Matthew Hopps drove in both Cal State Dominguez Hills runs with a two-run single in the eighth inning. David Leos added a pair of hits for the Toros (6-11, 2-8).
Cross blanked the Toros on five hits through the first seven innings while the Broncos were grabbing an 8-0 lead. Cal State Dominguez Hills strung together a single by Perez, a double by Jose Monte and the two-run single by Hopps to get on the board and end Cross’ afternoon. He gave up eight hits and two runs while walking one and striking out six in 7 1/3 innings.

John Lee (So., San Dimas, Damien HS) gave up just one hit over the final 1 2/3 innings to wrap things up.
Cal Poly Pomona opened the scoring with a run in the third inning. Lopez singled in Janowicz, who walked and advanced to third on an errant pickoff attempt.

Janowicz singled in a run in the fifth inning and Lopez followed with a two-run double to extend the Broncos’ lead to 4-0.

Anthony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) delivered a two-run single in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 6-0 and Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) and Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) had run-scoring hits in the seventh inning.

Lopez had a sacrifice fly to score Janowicz in the eighth inning to complete the scoring.

Cal Poly Pomona will return to action Wednesday with a home game against Northern Kentucky.

Broncos Use A Pair Of Aces In Twin Wins
Cal Poly Pomona gets outstanding pitching in sweep over Cal State Dominguez Hills

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team got a pair of outstanding pitching performances and picked up two big California Collegiate Athletic Associations wins Saturday afternoon.

Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) tossed a three-hit shutout in the opener and Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS) allowed only three hits and one run in the nightcap to lead Cal Poly Pomona to 9-0 and 7-1 wins at Scolinos Field.

Cal Poly Pomona (9-8, 7-4) snapped a three-game losing streak with the doubleheader sweep over the Toros (6-10, 2-7). The two teams will now complete the three-game series on Sunday. The series was supposed to begin on Friday, but that game was postponed by rain.

The Broncos won the opener behind another dominating performance by Wilding, who has now won his last four decisions. Wilding allowed only three singles and did not walk a batter while striking out 13. He improved to 4-1 this season and lowered his team earned run average to 1.77.

Cal State Dominguez Hills starter Chris Borchers matched Wilding for three innings, but the Broncos broke through with three runs in the fourth inning and four more in the fifth to take control. Anthony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) drove in the first run of the game with a groundout that scored Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton). Chase Stroupe (Jr., San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente HS) followed with a two-run single to give the Broncos a 3-0 lead.

Cal Poly Pomona broke the game open in the fifth. A run-scoring single by Mendrin, a run-scoring triple by Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) and a run-scoring groundout by Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) highlighted the inning.

A sacrifice fly by Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS) and a run-scoring double by Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) completed the scoring in the eighth inning.

Carreras picked up where Wilding left off in the opener. He blanked the Toros through the first five innings while the Broncos were building a 6-0 lead.

The Broncos got off to a quick start in the nightcap, jumping out to a 3-0 first-inning lead on a three-run home run by Allen, his second of the season. The Broncos added three more in the third thanks to a run-scoring double by Mendrin and a two-run triple by Esquer.

The Toros scored their lone run in the sixth inning when Claudio Gutierrez was hit by a pitch, moved to second base on a sacrifice by Chris Martinez and scored on a run-scoring single by Jose Montes.

Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hill HS) singled in a run for the Broncos in the bottom of the sixth to complete the scoring.

Broncos Lose Twice To Coyotes
Cal Poly Pomona drops both ends of Saturday doubleheader

SAN BERNARDINO -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team had a rough day at the Arrowhead Credit Union Park on Saturday.

The Broncos dropped both ends of a California Collegiate Athletic Association doubleheader with Cal State San Bernardino, 11-2 and 4-3. Cal Poly Pomona (7-7, 5-4) had won the series opener on Friday against the Coyotes.

Cal Poly Pomona fell behind early in the opener and Cal State San Bernardino scored seven runs in the first two innings off Bronco starter Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS) and reliever Kyle Todd (Fr., Anaheim, Magnolia HS).

The Broncos scored single runs in the third and fifth innings. Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) singled in Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hill HS) in the third and Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) singled in Lopez in the fifth.

Lopez, Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS), Mendrin, Anthony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) and Chase Stroupe (Jr., San Clemente, San Clemente HS) had two hits each for the Broncos, who collected 11 singles in the game.

In the nightcap, the Coyotes pushed across a run in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie. John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) pitched a strong game and allowed only three hits and three runs in five innings of work. He allowed all three runs in the third inning.

Cal Poly Pomona scored twice in the fourth and once in the fifth to tie the game. Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS) singled in Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) with the first run of the fourth and Lopez singled in Stroupe with the second run. Allen was credited with a steal of home as part of a double steal with Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) to tie the game.

Lopez and Gonzales had two hits each for the Broncos.

Cal Poly Pomona will return to action with a non-conference game at Biola University on Tuesday.

Broncos Take Opener From Coyotes
Cal Poly Pomona collects 18 hits in 14-6 victory

SAN BERNARDINO -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team got off to a tremendous start and never looked back Friday in a California Collegiate Athletic Association series opener against Cal State San Bernardino.

The Broncos scored six runs in the first inning and went on to a 14-6 victory over the Coyotes at Arrowhead Credit Union Park. Cal Poly Pomona (7-5, 5-2) won for the seventh time in its last nine games.
Cal Poly Pomona collected 18 hits in their biggest offensive explosion of the season. The 14 runs and 18 hits are both season highs.

Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) pitched five solid innings to pick up his third straight decision. Wilding allowed seven hits and two earned runs while improving to 3-1 on the season.

Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hill HS) and Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) had three hits each to lead the offensive attack. Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) had a pair of doubles and drove in three runs, while Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS), Chase Stroupe (Jr., San Clemente, San Clemente HS) and Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) had two hits each.

Cal Poly Pomona got off to a quick start by scoring six runs in the opening inning. Allen singled in the first run, a second run scored on an error, Evans, Anthony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) and Stroupe followed with consecutive RBI doubles and Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State) singled in the final run of the inning.

The Broncos made it 7-0 in the second inning when an infield single by Allen scored Stevens.

Cal State San Bernardino scored a pair of runs in the fifth inning, but Cal Poly Pomona responded with four more in the top of the sixth to put the game out of reach. Denning drove in one run with a single and Evans doubled in two with a two-out double.

Mike Quintal (Jr., Santa Clara, San Jose CC), Kyle Todd (Fr., Anaheim, Magnolia HS), Justin Carty (Jr., Upland, Montclair HS) and Russell Smith (Sr., Brawley, Brawley HS) finished up on the mound for the Broncos. Each reliever pitched one inning.

The Broncos and Coyotes will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.

Broncos Win With A Group Effort
Cal Poly Pomona posts seven-pitcher shutout, 8-0

RIVERSIDE -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team used a group effort to overcome Cal Baptist in a non-conference game just added on Wednesday.

The Broncos got a combined shutout from seven pitchers and rolled past the Lancers, 8-0, Wednesday in Riverside. Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Baptist agreed to the game earlier in the week to make up for some games lost in the recent storms.

Stephen Payte (Jr., Lancaster, Lancaster HS) started the parade of pitchers to the mound by hurling two scoreless innings. Kyle Todd (Fr., Anaheim, Magnolia HS) struck out three and allowed two hits in his one inning, Kevin Rogers (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) worked a scoreless inning with one hit and one walk allowed, Justin Carty (Jr., Upland, Montclair HS) gave up just one hit in two solid innings and Matt Lusk (Jr., Bakersfield, Bakersfield JC), Russell Smith (Sr., Brawley, Brawley HS) and Bryan Jackson (Jr., Placentia, Orange Coast College) each worked one scoreless inning to finish up the victory.

Cal Poly Pomona (6-5), which has won six of its last eight games, backed its pitchers with an 11-hit attack. Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) had four hits, including three doubles, and drove in three runs. The three doubles tie a program record for a single game. Chris Janowicz (Jr., Arroyo Grande, Oregon State) had two hits, while Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS) and John Daniels (So., Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Cucamonga HS) each scored a pair of runs.

The Broncos took the lead with a four-run fourth inning. Stevens had a two-run double and Kenny Lane (Jr., Tustin, Santa Ana JC) had a run-scoring groundout to highlight the inning.

Cal Poly Pomona then added four runs in the sixth inning. Chase Stroupe (Jr., San Clemente, San Clemente HS) singled in one run, Daniels singled in another, Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hills HS) had a sacrifice fly and Stevens had a run-scoring double.

The Broncos will resume CCAA play on Friday in the opener of a three-game series at Cal State San Bernardino.

Lopez Named CCAA Player Of The Week
Cal Poly Pomona shortstop wins conference honor

WALNUT CREEK -- Cal Poly Pomona’s Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hills HS) has been named the Wilson California Collegiate Athletic Association Baseball Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 14-20.

Lopez, the Broncos’ starting shortstop, hit .545 with a run and a run batted in to help the Broncos win two of three games against defending CCAA champion Chico State this past weekend at Scolinos Field. Lopez had six hits in his 11 at bats during the series as the Broncos’ leadoff hitter, collecting two hits in each of the three games.

He also handled 10 fielding chances without an error in rainy and muddy conditions.

Lopez singled in the go-ahead run in Friday’s 3-2 win over Chico State in the opener of the series. He then singled and scored the Broncos’ first run in the series finale on Sunday, which Cal Poly Pomona won, 5-4.

This is the second week in a row a Cal Poly Pomona baseball player has earned a weekly honor from the conference. Taylor Wilding (Jr., Fontana, Etiwanda HS) earned Pitcher of the Week honors last week after his complete-game one-hitter against Cal State L.A. Wilding tied a program record with 17 strikeouts in that one and carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning.

Cal Poly Pomona is 5-5 overall and 4-2 in the CCAA South Division. The Broncos have added a non-conference game at Cal Baptist on Wednesday, weather permitting. Cal Poly Pomona will resume CCAA play with a three-game series at Cal State San Bernardino beginning on Friday.

Broncos Beat Rain And Wildcats
Cal Poly Pomona earn doubleheader split with Chico State

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team had to wait out a lengthy rain delay and survive a wild ending to earn a doubleheader split Sunday at Scolinos Field.

The Broncos turned a game-ending double play in the top of the seventh inning to preserve a tense 5-4 victory over Chico State in the nightcap of a California Collegiate Athletic Association doubleheader Sunday. The Wildcats won the opener, 2-1.

The Broncos won two of the three games in the series.

Cal Poly Pomona (5-5, 4-2) had to survive some anxious moments to earn the split. The game was halted by rain in the top of the seventh inning with two Wildcats on base and nobody out. After a more than one-hour rain delay, the Wildcats pushed across a run to make it 5-4 and had runners on first and third when Cal Poly Pomona reliever John Lee got Chico State’s Jay Hyland to line out to Bronco second baseman Greg Denning. Denning alertly fired to first base to double up Jonathan Shepard to end the game.

John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) got the win for the Broncos after allowing seven hits and just one earned run in 4 2/3 innings of work. Mike Quintal (Jr., Santa Clara, San Jose CC) worked 1 1/3 innings of shutout baseball and Lee got the final three outs in the seventh for his first save of the season.

The Broncos jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning of the nightcap. Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hills HS) led off with a single and advanced to third base on a double by Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS). Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) drove in one run with a groundout and Stevens later scored on an infield hit by Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College).

Chico State got a run in the second inning on a run-scoring single by Chad Nelson.

The Broncos, though, stretched their lead to 5-1 with a three-run rally in the third inning. Denning singled in one run, Allen singled in another run and a sacrifice fly by Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) scored the third run.

The Wildcats got two runs in the fifth inning to make it 5-3. Ryan Martin and Bravo had run-scoring singles.
In the seventh, with heavy rain beginning to fall, Cal Poly Pomona reliever Matt Lusk (Jr., Bakersfield, Bakersfield JC) hit the first two batters. The game was then delayed by rain. When play resumed, Lee got Colby Miller to pop up a bunt to Mendrin.

Shepard singled to right-center to drive in Chad Williams, setting the stage for the game-ending lineout by Hyland.

In the opener, Chico State got another strong pitching performance from Kris Krise and edged the Broncos, 2-1. Krise, who hadn’t allowed an earned run while winning his first two starts, gave up only five hits and a run to improve to 3-0 on the season.

Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS) carried a shutout and a 1-0 lead into the seventh inning, but Williams hit the foul pole in right field for a solo home run to tie the game. After Trevor Weedon and Greg Gonzales singled, Lee came on and surrendered a run-scoring single by Jeff Walker.

The Broncos got their only run of the opener on a wild pitch that allowed Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS) to score. Cal Poly Pomona still had runners on second and third with one out, but Krise got Mendrin to ground back to the box and got Allen to strike out to end the inning.

Nick Burger got his third save of the season for the Wildcats by retiring the only two batters he faced.
Lopez had four hits for the Broncos in the doubleheader, while Allen had a pair of RBI.

The Broncos will return to action with a three-game series at Cal State San Bernardino beginning on Friday.

Broncos Get A Soggy Win Over Wildcats
Cal Poly Pomona gets another outstanding gem from Taylor Wilding

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team made sure the lengthy wait to get a game in Friday was worth it.

Cal Poly Pomona and Chico State waited out a three-hour rain delay and Wilding hurled the Broncos to a 3-2 victory Friday in California Collegiate Athletic Association play at Scolinos Field. The game also included a 20-minute rain delay in the eighth inning.

The teams were originally hoping to get a doubleheader in Friday, but had to settle for one game. The teams will now try to get a doubleheader in on Saturday and a single game on Sunday to conclude the four-game conference series.

Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) turned in his second consecutive complete-game gem. He held the Wildcats to three hits and one earned run in nine innings Friday. In his last start, Wilding (2-1) retired 25 batters in a row and took a no-hitter into the ninth inning while striking out 17 in a win over Cal State L.A. on Sunday.

The Broncos (4-4, 3-1) got all their runs in the fifth inning. Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) started the rally with a leadoff double. Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) followed with a single to right and Anthony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) singled to right to score Falls. Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hills HS) singled in a run to make it 2-1 and the Broncos got their final run when a grounder by Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) was mishandled by second baseman Greg Walker.

The Wildcats had taken a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Chad Williams that scored Joseph Ramos. Chico State starter Ben Buker made that stand up until the Broncos’ three-run uprising in the fifth inning.

Chico State cut the deficit to 3-2 in the ninth inning when Jonathan Shepard connected on a two-out solo home run. Wilding, though, struck out Williams to end the game.

Lopez had a pair of hits and an RBI for the Broncos and Esquer had a pair of hits, a run scored and an RBI.

Wilding walked two and struck out six in his nine-inning stint.

After Buker left with two outs in the fifth, Robert Anaya and Nick Bryant combined to blank the Broncos over the final 3 1/3 innings.

Broncos Blanked In Series Finale
Cal Poly Pomona falls short in attempt for a three-game sweep

LOS ANGELES -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team found itself in another shutout on Monday, only this time the Broncos were on the short end of the final result.

The Broncos (3-4, 2-1), who opened the three-game series against Cal State L.A. with two shutout victories, were blanked by the Golden Eagles on Monday, 5-0, in a California Collegiate Athletic Association game at Reeder Field. Cal Poly Pomona won by scores of 12-0 and 7-0 on Sunday in a series pushed back two days because of rain.

Cal Poly Pomona managed only seven hits – all singles – against Cal State L.A. on Monday.
Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) had a pair of hits for the Broncos. Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hills HS) reached base twice on a single and walk.

John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach City College) worked the first five innings for the Broncos on Monday and allowed five hits and four runs. He walked two and struck out two. Mike Quintal (Jr., Santa Clara, San Jose CC) allowed only one hit and a walk over 1 1/3 innings, while Bryan Jackson (Jr., Placentia, Orange Coast College) allowed two hits and a run over the final 1 2/3 innings.

Cal Poly Pomona will return to action on Friday for the start of a four-game series with defending CCAA champion Chico State. The teams will play a single game on Friday, a doubleheader on Saturday and a single game on Sunday.

Broncos Post Twin Blankings Of L.A.
Cal Poly Pomona gets record-tying performance from Wilding to highlight day

LOS ANGELES -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team got a pair of exceptional pitching performances Sunday and opened California Collegiate Athletic Association play in grand fashion.

The Broncos used a record-tying performance from Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) and pounded out a 12-0 win over Cal State L.A. in the opener of a doubleheader Sunday and then used a combined shutout from Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS) and John Lee (So., San Dimas, Damien HS) to win the nightcap, 7-0. Cal Poly Pomona (3-3, 2-0) has won three straight games since opening the season 0-3.

Wilding pitched a gem in the opener and carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning. After walking the leadoff batter, Wilding retired the next 25 batters before yielding a one-out double in the ninth to Cal State L.A.’s Kyle Williams. Wilding tied a program record by striking out 17 batters. That tied the Cal Poly Pomona mark held also by Mike Kurnick, who fanned 17 against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1994, Mark Wiley, who struck out 17 against Stanford in 1970 and Mark Foss, who struck out 17 against Southern Utah in 1965.

Wilding was backed by a 15-hit Cal Poly Pomona attack. The Broncos scored nine runs over the final three innings to give Wilding plenty of support. Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) hit a pair of home runs and drove in three runs, Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) hit his first home run of the season and Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) continued his hot start this season with his first home run.

Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hills HS) drove in four runs, while Mendrin and Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) scored three runs each.

Mendrin’s solo home run gave the Broncos a 1-0 lead in the second inning and a solo home run by Denning to lead off the fifth was followed later in the inning by a run-scoring double from Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) to give Cal Poly Pomona a 3-0 lead.

The Broncos then scored two in the seventh, four in the eighth and three in the ninth to put the game away.

In the nightcap, Carreras blanked the Golden Eagles on six hits through six innings. Lee pitched a hitless seventh inning and struck out one to finish the shutout.

Mendrin homered again – giving him three in the doubleheader – and drove in two. Evans also had a pair of RBI. The Broncos scored three times in the first inning on a run-scoring single by Denning and a two-run single by Evans. Mendrin homered in the third inning to make it 4-0 and a run-scoring single by Stevens and a sacrifice fly by Mendrin highlighted a three-run fifth inning.

Rain Washes Away Series Finale
Cal Poly Pomona sees 4-2 lead wiped out by weather

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team held an early lead over Chico State Sunday at Scolinos Field, but the Broncos couldn’t beat the rain.

The non-conference series finale between California Collegiate Athletic Association foes Cal Poly Pomona and Chico State was postponed by rain. The Broncos had a 4-2 lead after 2 ½ innings when play was halted because of rain. After a delay of about 30 minutes, the game was postponed.

Before the rains came, the Broncos jumped out to a 4-2 lead. Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa JC) had a three-run triple in the first inning that scored Matt Lopez (Sr., Lancaster, Quartz Hills HS), Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) and Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton).

The Broncos chased Chico State starter Nick Bryant in the first inning. Reid Horton came on and got the final two outs of the inning for the Wildcats.

Chico State scored twice in the second inning off Cal Poly Pomona starter John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC). Chad Williams doubled in one run for the Wildcats and Chad Nelson drove in the second run with a sacrifice fly.

The Broncos tacked on another run in the bottom of the second. Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS).

Cross retired the Wildcats in order in the third inning before the rains ended the game.

The Broncos will return to action next Friday in their CCAA opener at Cal State L.A. Cal Poly Pomona and Chico State will meet again in Pomona on Feb. 18-20.

Broncos Earn Split With Chico State
Cal Poly Pomona wins nightcap, 5-3, to split doubleheader

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team shook off its early-season offensive struggles and scored enough runs to earn a split Saturday afternoon.

The Broncos, who were limited to just two hits in a 7-0 shutout loss in the opener, scored four runs in the first two innings and went on to a 5-3 win in the nightcap over defending California Collegiate Athletic Association and NCAA Division II West Region champion Chico State Saturday at Scolinos Field. The games between the two conference rivals were non-conference contests.

Cal Poly Pomona (1-3) got an outstanding pitching performance from Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS) in the nightcap. Carreras worked into the seventh inning and allowed only five hits and two runs. He walked four and struck out six and left leading, 5-1, with one on and no one out in the seventh inning.

That’s when the Wildcats made it interesting, scoring a pair of runs thanks to two infield hits, a wild pitch and a run-scoring groundout. Chico State had the bases loaded when Cal Poly Pomona’s Matt Lusk (Jr., Bakersfield, Bakersfield JC) got Jay Hyland on a fly to left field to end the game.

Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS) had three hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Broncos, while Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) added a solo home run and Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) had a run-scoring double. Cal Poly Pomona also got what turned out to be an important run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Andy Gonzales (Sr., Whittier, California HS) stole home as part of an attempted double steal. Stevens, who was on first base at the time, fell down between first and second and Chico State catcher Justin Jacque ran out to try to get Stevens in a rundown. Gonzales broke alertly from third and beat Jacque’s throw back to the plate.

The Broncos jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings of the nightcap. Stevens singled in Chase Stroupe (Jr., San Clemente, San Clemente HS) for the first run and Stevens scored on a double by Denning. Evans hit a home run to lead off the second and Stevens singled in Stroupe again later in the inning to make it 4-0.

Carreras gave up a run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Chad Williams that drove in Jorge Araiza. Carreras then settled down and blanked the Wildcats until the seventh inning.

In the opener, Chico State pitchers Kristopher Krise and Eric Giacone combined to blank the Broncos on just two hits. Krise retired the first 15 batters he faced until Denning led off the sixth inning with a double to left-center. A Stevens single in the ninth inning off of Giacone was the only other hit for the Broncos.

Chico State scored four runs in the first three innings to give Krise all the support he would need. Jesus Bravo had three hits and four runs driven in for the Wildcats, while Greg Gonzales had three hits, Jonathan Shepard had two hits and two runs scored and Jeff Walker had a hit and scored a pair of runs.

Krise walked one and struck out seven in his seven innings of work.

Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) got the start for the Broncos and allowed nine hits and five runs in 6 2/3 innings. Mike Quintal (Jr., Santa Clara, San Jose CC) allowed only one hit over 1 2/3 innings for Cal Poly Pomona.

The two teams will play another non-conference game against each other on Sunday at 11 a.m. The teams will meet in a four-game conference series at Scolinos Field beginning on Friday, Feb. 18.

Broncos Fall To Azusa Pacific, 6-2
Cal Poly Pomona drops second game to NAIA program

AZUSA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team is still looking for its offensive punch.

The Broncos struggled on offense for the second straight game and fell to Azusa Pacific, 6-2, Wednesday night at Cougar Field. Cal Poly Pomona (0-2) has scored just two runs on nine hits in its first two games of the season.

Cal Poly Pomona got some solid pitching from Kyle Todd (Fr., Anaheim, Magnolia HS), who went the first three innings and allowed only two hits and one run. Justin Carty (Jr., Upland, Montclair HS) allowed only a two-run home run in his two innings of work, Russell Smith (Sr., Brawley, Brawley HS) allowed only one hit in a scoreless inning, Stephen Payte (Jr., Lancaster, Lancaster HS) allowed two hits and a run in one inning and Bryan Jackson (Jr., Placentia, Orange Coast College) surrendered two runs and two hits in his one inning.

The Broncos scored both of their runs in the fifth inning. Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) walked and Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) was hit by a pitch to open the inning. After Evan Barnhart (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) popped out, Anthony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Greg Denning (Sr., Atascadero, Cuesta College) singled in Allen for the Broncos’ first run and Evans scored on a fielder’s choice groundout off the bat of Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS).

That cut the Cougars’ lead to 3-2, but Azusa Pacific scored once in the seventh and twice in the eighth to extend its advantage.

Allen, Denning, Esquer and Jake Mendrin (Jr., La Habra Heights, Cal State Fullerton) collected the hits for the Broncos on Wednesday.

Cal Poly Pomona will return to action this weekend with a three-game series against Chico State beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at 11 a.m. The series will conclude with a single game on Sunday at 11 a.m. All three games between the California Collegiate Athletic Association teams will be non-conference contests. The two teams will meet in conference games later in the month.

Broncos Lose A Tough One In Opener
Cal Poly Pomona falls to Biola University, 1-0

POMONA -- Cal Poly Pomona’s baseball team opened its 2005 season with a masterful pitching performance by five Bronco hurlers.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, Biola University received some outstanding pitching as well. The Eagles scored the game’s only run in the top of the ninth inning and edged Cal Poly Pomona, 1-0, Tuesday afternoon at Scolinos Field. A one-out single on an 0-2 pitch by Frank Thomas scored Chris Weems with the game’s only run.

Cal Poly Pomona threatened in its half of the ninth, getting Jarrod Allen (Sr., Poway, San Diego Mesa College) to second with one out. Biola reliever Charlie Watson, though, got Kevin Falls (So., Chino Hills, Ayala HS) on a popup and Anthony Esquer (Jr., Chino Hills, Whittier Christian HS) on a line shot to right fielder Tyler Wright.

Both teams got tremendous pitching from the nine pitchers who saw action in the game. Cal Poly Pomona got two shutout innings each from Taylor Wilding (Jr., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS), Luis Carreras (Jr., San Dimas, Walnut HS), John Cross (Jr., La Palma, Long Beach CC) and John Lee (So., San Dimas, Damien HS). Lee gave up a tough-luck double to Weems down the left-field line that just eluded third baseman Marc Evans (So., Alta Loma, Etiwanda HS) to open the ninth inning. Lee got Wright to ground out to second, advancing Weems to third and Thomas smacked an 0-2 pitch into left to drive in the game’s only run. Matt Lusk (Jr., Bakersfield, Bakersfield JC) retired the only two batters he faced to finish the inning.

Biola All-American Reid Hamblet allowed only three hits in six innings of shutout work for the Eagles. Mike Casserly gave up two hits in 1 1/3 scoreless innings and Phil Gausepohl retired the final two batters in the eighth inning. After Gausepohl hit Allen to open the ninth, Watson came on to finish the game.

Weems had three hits for Biola, while Matt Stevens (Sr., Riverside, Rubidoux HS), Kenny Lane (Jr., Tustin, Santa Ana JC), Falls, Esquer and Evans each picked up one hit for the Broncos.

Cal Poly Pomona will return to action on Wednesday night at Azusa Pacific. The Broncos will return home to host conference rival Chico State in a three-game weekend series beginning on Saturday at 11 a.m. The series will conclude with a single game on Sunday at 11 a.m.

For more information on Cal Poly Pomona baseball, please direct e-mail to mdashman@csupomona.edu