Titan Streak Stopped Cold in 1-0 Loss to Pepperdine

Cal State Fullerton’s 15-game winning streak came to an end Tuesday night, stopped by a sparkling pitching performance by Pepperdine left-hander Randy Wolf.

Wolf gave up only four hits in seven innings, and Pepperdine (12-9) held on for a 1-0 nonconference baseball victory in front of 984 at Titan Field. Wolf (3-1) walked three and struck out seven.

“We ran into a pitcher who is very good tonight,” said Titan Coach Augie Garrido. “He kept us off balance all night, and we didn’t get the key hits in the second or eighth innings when we had the bases loaded.”

Pepperdine had only three hits off five Titan pitchers, a form of rotation often used by Fullerton in midweek games early in the season. But the Waves capitalized on a throwing error for the game’s only run in the fifth.

Rob Reid singled to open the inning and the next batter, Justin Hodgdon, hit a ground ball to second. Jerome Alviso tried to get the lead runner at second despite Reid’s good jump off first, and his hurried throw was wild. Reid took third and scored on an infield out.

“Jerome’s throw was forced, and it would be a very difficult play at best,” said Garrido.

The Titans (15-2), who had six hits in the game, threatened in the eighth when Jeremy Giambi and Mark Kotsay singled with one out against John Workman. But a new pitcher, Eric Brubaker, got Brian Loyd to fly out. He walked Steve Chatham to load the bases, but got pinch hitter Mike Lamb to ground out, ending Fullerton’s last threat.

The Titans missed many opportunities Tuesday night. Fullerton left nine runners on base.

The Titans loaded the bases with one out in the second when Wolf gave up a base hit to Tony Martinez between two walks, but the Titans failed to score when Wolf struck out designated hitter Aaron Rowand. Alviso was out on a called third strike.

Loyd opened the fourth with a single and went to second on a sacrifice, but was stranded when Wolf struck out Martinez and C.J. Ankrum.

“The missed opportunities in the second and eighth [innings] and the problems defensively were the difference, but I don’t want to take anything away from their pitcher. He deserves a lot of credit for the game he pitched.”

Pepperdine Coach Pat Harrison was especially pleased with Wolf’s performance. “I thought he did an outstanding job,” said Harrison. “He threw good breaking balls tonight and that made his fastball more effective. He mixed his pitches well.”

Fullerton started Matt Wise on the mound, and he gave up one hit in three innings, but according to plan, Mike Greenlee took over in the fourth and pitched two innings. He gave up only one hit for the loss. Dustin Spencer also pitched two hitless innings, and Todd Singelyn gave up one hit in 1 1/3 innings. Mark Chavez finished it.

In another nonconference game:

Long Beach State 15, Loyola Marymount 3--Jason Hodges had two hits, including a double, and drove in three runs for host Long Beach State (13-7). Loyola Marymount is 3-17.