College Baseball : Three Titan Errors Help Arizona to 8-6 Win

Arizona took advantage of three Cal State Fullerton throwing errors, two in the bottom of the eighth inning, to defeat the Titans, 8-6, Friday afternoon at Sancet Field in Tucson.

Chuck Johnson’s single in the bottom of the eighth broke a 6-6 tie. On his attempted steal of second, Titan catcher Mike Ham threw the ball into center field. As Johnson headed to third, center fielder Tony Newkirk’s throw went in the dugout, allowing Johnson to score.

Fullerton catcher John Eccles’ throwing error in the first inning gave the Wildcats an early 2-0 lead. The Titans finally tied the score in the top of the eighth, 6-6, on a three-run home run from Dann Howitt, his first of the season.

Joe Ester (2-2) got the win in relief. Dave Serrano (1-1) was the loser.

The teams conclude the three-game series today, when left-hander Mark Belanger makes his first start for the Titans (5-2). Belanger has suffered from arm trouble since last summer. Gilbert Heredia starts for Arizona (8-4).

Grand Canyon 9, Chapman 6--Greg Duce doubled home two runs during a four-run fifth inning to lead the Antelopes to a 9-6 win at Brazell Field in Phoenix.

Starting pitcher Jon Hulshofs (1-1) got little support from the Chapman defense which committed five errors. Lew Kent hit his first home run of the season for Grand Canyon in the first ining with a man on.

In community college action:

Orange Coast 11, Glendale (Ariz.) 0--The Pirates opened their season impressively, piling up 11 hits in the first round of the Southwestern Tournament at Chula Vista. Sam August, a freshman pitcher from Fountain Valley, shut out Glendale on three hits.

Right fielder Joey James led OCC, going 3 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Catcher Paul Ellison hit a two-run home run in the third inning.

Orange Coast 13, Citrus 1--Longo Garcia, a sophomore from Los Amigos, pitched a seven-inning complete game for OCC at San Diego State. He scattered five hits and seven walks and had seven strikeouts.

James again led the Pirate offense, collecting two hits in four at-bats and knocking in two runs. Designated hitter Ron Gibbs was 3 for 5 with two RBIs and first baseman Dave Staton went 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Weather permitting, the Pirates will meet Los Angeles Harbor today in third-round play.

Cypress 7, Victor Valley 3--The Chargers opened their season with the win in the College of the Desert tournament in Angel Stadium at Palm Springs. Leading 4-3, Cypress broke the game open in the eighth inning with pinch-hit doubles by Rene Licon and Guillermo Roses. David Barry pitched 5 innings to gain the victory, allowing five hits, striking out eight and walking none. Third baseman Chris Kocman was 3 for 4 with an RBI, first baseman Rick Nen went 2 for 3 with one RBI and shortstop Ed Evans was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs.