THE COLLEGES : Beck’s Five-Hitter Lifts Titans to 7-1 Win

Cal State Fullerton, with a .332 team batting average, hasn’t had much trouble hitting the baseball this season.

But over the course of the last month, the Titans’ pitching staff has had a lot to do with the team’s success.

Friday night was no exception, as sophomore right-hander Mark Beck fired a five-hitter to lead Fullerton to a 7-1 victory over Washington State at Titan Field.

The victory improves Fullerton’s record to 16-7, as the Titans have won 11 of their last 12 games. The loss drops Washington State, the Pacific 10 north champion a year ago, to 9-2 after the Cougars had started the season with nine consecutive victories.

“That was the best game Beck has pitched,” Titan Coach Larry Cochell said. “Mark was in command of all his pitches tonight, and that’s really what made the difference.”

Beck (4-4), a graduate of Mayfair High School in Lakewood, give up just one run, an opposite-field home run to John Olerud, and surrendered only three hits the last six innings.

“I felt in command tonight,” Beck said. “I was getting the fastball over and getting ahead of the hitters.”

The Titans, who are ranked 14th in the nation by Collegiate Baseball Magazine, collected 16 hits, including four by center fielder Jason Rolish and three each by second baseman Mike Ross and catcher Brent Mayne.

With the score tied, 1-1, in the fourth, Ross put the Titans ahead with a towering solo home run to left off Washington State starter J.D. Sonnevil (0-1). It was Ross’ eighth home run of the season, tying him for the team lead with first baseman Keith Kaub. Ross also scored three runs Friday.

Sonnevil gave up three more runs in the sixth and two in the seventh before being relieved by Darin Nolan.

The two teams play again today at 1 at Titan Field.