College Roundup : Northridge Knuckles Under, 4-0

Rick Davis of Cal State Dominguez Hills pitched only one inning last season. If Cal State Northridge had its way, the senior right-hander would never pitch again.

Davis was dominant in a 4-0 victory over the Matadors on Friday, allowing only one hit in the California Collegiate Athletic Conference game at Dominguez Hills. Davis had a no-hitter until Denny Vigo singled in the eighth.

Davis, who pitched in high school and junior college, started at shortstop last season because of injuries to other Toro infielders. He became the No. 1 starter after pitching the Toros to a 12-4 season-opening victory over Arizona, at the time the second-ranked team in the nation.

The Matadors, who have lost three in a row, struggled trying to hit Davis’ knuckle-curve. He had eight strikeouts and walked one.

Northridge (11-5 overall, 3-4 in conference play), had trouble fielding two bunts and it cost the Matadors three runs in the third inning. The only question that remained was whether Davis (5-1) would finish with a no-hitter. He faced the minimum batters for 7 1/3 innings.

Vigo lined Davis’ first pitch--a knuckle-curve--to center.