Rolls’ Grand Slam in 8th Lifts USD

Catcher Dave Rolls came off the bench to deliver a game-winning grand slam as the University of San Diego defeated the University of San Francisco, 12-9, Sunday at Cunningham Stadium.

Rolls, USD’s regular catcher, was scheduled for a day off to rest a groin pull. Because of lineup adjustments late in the game, however, Rolls came on to catch in the seventh.

In the eighth, with USD trailing, 9-8, Andy Roberts led off with a single. Roberts moved to third and pitcher Tony Battilega advanced to second when a throwing error was made on Battilega’s sacrifice bunt.

After a strikeout, Sean Baron was intentionally walked to load the bases. Rolls then hit an 0-1 pitch long and high over the left-center field fence.

The grand slam was Rolls’ second and USD’s third of the series. Rolls hit his first Friday and Baron had one Saturday.

Rolls has 14 homers this season, two behind the school record Baron set last year. Rolls also has 35 career home runs, second to Baron’s school record 40.

Battilega, the third of three USD pitchers, picked up the victory, his fifth against four losses.

USD, 23-28 overall and 6-14 in the West Coast Athletic Conference, hosts Masters College at 3 p.m. Tuesday. USF is 14-27, 4-12.

TENNIS

A charity tennis tournament in behalf of Scripps Memorial Hospital’s Thomas T. Stevens Cancer Center is scheduled for May 7-8 at the San Diego Tennis and Racquet Club.