Irvine Squeaks by CSUN, 6-5, in 12 Innings

Ken Kendrena of Cal State Northridge struck out 17 and walked no one in 11 innings pitched, but UC Irvine beat visiting Northridge, 6-5, in a 12-inning non-conference game Sunday.

Todd Denhart relieved starter Kendrena to begin the bottom half of the 12th inning. Irvine’s Matt Filson hit a double to drive in Joe Furukawa with the game-winning run. Denhart (1-1) faced only two batters and took the loss.

Northridge (22-10-1) had taken a 5-3 lead in the ninth on Craig Clayton’s run-scoring double, but Furukawa, who had four hits, sent the game into extra innings with a run-scoring sacrifice fly. Northridge was attempting to sweep Irvine (14-15) in the three-game weekend series.

Clayton led CSUN with three hits and scored two runs. Scott Sharts and Denny Vigo added two hits apiece.

Kendrena, a junior right-hander, recorded a season high with 17 strikeouts, but his four earned runs allowed tied his high for the season. He gave up 12 hits.

Northridge lost for only the third time in its past 11 games.