The San Diego State baseball team's plan was to use this week's games against Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton to build some momentum heading into next week's Mountain West Conference Tournament.
So much for that.
SDSU saved its worst for the last home game of the season, managing just one hit in a 10-0 loss to Long Beach State last night at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
“We thought we were on a pretty good streak heading into tonight,” said SDSU second baseman Garett Green. “Guys are kind of scratching their heads right now.
“It just kind of felt like we gave up. It didn't seem like anybody came to play.”
Long Beach State shortstop Danny Espinosa hit a grand slam in the first inning off SDSU starter Brandon Villalobos, who departed moments after Espinosa rounded the bases. Thus began a parade of nine SDSU relievers, somewhat by design, somewhat by necessity. The Dirtbags (31-18) piled on six more runs over the next six innings.
The Aztecs (30-23), meanwhile, had difficulty getting a ball out of the infield, let alone getting a hit.
SDSU's only hit was Pat Colwell's infield single in the third inning off the glove of pitcher Shane Peterson. The Aztecs didn't hit a ball to the outfield until there was one out in the eighth, when Brett Tanos popped out to left.
“A game like this just deflates you because we did nothing right,” said Aztecs coach Tony Gwynn.
SDSU now turns its attention to a three-game series at Cal State Fullerton that begins tomorrow, with one eye on next week's MWC Tournament and at least one arm tied behind its back.
Gwynn said No. 1 starter Stephen Strasburg, the nation's hottest pitcher over the last six weeks, will not start against the Titans.
“We're going to have him ready for the playoffs,” said Gwynn. “He might throw an inning or two.
“The object here is to try and get to the postseason. I've got to save my bullets.”
The Aztecs need victories against Fullerton to boost any fleeting hopes they have for an NCAA at-large berth. But they also must be mindful of Tuesday's opening game in the conference tournament. And beyond.
SDSU must use its pitching in such a way that it doesn't disturb the rotation next week, when the Aztecs will be trying to win the MWC's automatic NCAA berth.
Green said the Aztecs remain optimistic they can make something happen in the tournament, which is hosted by TCU.
“We're kind of looked at like the team that no one wants to play,” said Green. “We're hot, cold, hot, cold and no one wants to see us when we're hot.”
