Fullerton Loses to Santa Barbara Despite 19 Hits, Three Home Runs

Cal State Fullerton had 19 hits and three home runs, but it still wasn’t enough as the Titans dropped a Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. game to UC Santa Barbara, 10-8, Friday at Santa Barbara.

Fullerton (14-7, 29-26-1) led through most of the game and had a 8-7 lead in the eighth inning when Erik Johnson hit a two-run home run to put the Gauchos ahead. Dave Stewart followed with a solo home run for Santa Barbara (11-11, 31-10-2). Johnson was 4 for 5 with two doubles and three RBIs.

The Titans scored five runs in the first and second innings, two on John Fishel’s 10th home run of the season. Fishel later hit his 11th homer of the season in the eighth inning.

Doug Robertson took the loss for Fullerton. Robertson replaced starter Mike Schooler who left the game leading, 6-1. Eventually three more runs were charged to Schooler.

Mike Meyers (5-3) was the fourth Gaucho pitcher, and went four innings in relief to earn the win. Jose Mota was 5 for 5 with two doubles and a triple for the Titans. Blaine Larker added a solo home run in the sixth inning.