Smith Helps Titans Complete Sweep

Cal State Fullerton capped a three-game sweep of Nevada Las Vegas Sunday with what Coach George Horton called “the most complete game we’ve played.”

But what’s not to like about a 19-0 victory?

The Titans got a sparkling two-hit pitching effort through seven innings from junior Jon Smith, hammered out 21 hits and played flawlessly on defense.

“This is a game we can build on,” Horton said. “Probably the most significant thing is that this should take some of the pressure off our hitters and give them some confidence.”

The victory--the most decisive by the Titans since beating New Mexico State, 21-2, on May 9 last year--evened Fullerton’s record at 5-5. It was the seventh consecutive loss for UNLV (3-10).

The game started two hours late because of rain, but the distraction didn’t seem to bother Smith or the Titan hitters.

UNLV didn’t get a hit off Smith until Brad Maloff’s leadoff double in the seventh. Smith walked the next batter, and Nate Kaup singled with one out, but a double play got Smith out of the inning. George Carralejo took over in the eighth and gave up two hits but struck out five in the final two innings.

“I felt strong when I came out,” Smith said. “I was just using two pitches, the fastball and the changeup. And with the kind of defense we’re playing, I’m not afraid to go after hitters.”

Smith (2-1) struck out the side in the first inning and had five strikeouts through the first three innings. He finished with eight strikeouts and two walks.

Pitching coach Dave Serrano said he saw no reason to leave Smith in the game after the no-hitter ended. “That’s as long as Jon has gone this season, and he pitched exceptional,” Serrano said.

The Rebels didn’t have a base runner until Smith walked pinch- hitter James Nepa with one out in the fifth, and Smith picked him off.

The Titans had three home runs. Catcher Jeff Gates had a three-run homer in the sixth as one of his three hits. First baseman Aaron Rifkin homered in the fifth, and reserve Jake Epstein had a three-run shot in the eighth. It was the first homer of the season for each. David Bacani also had three RBIs.

Fullerton took control early with two runs in the second and four in the fourth.

In the second, Mike Martinez drilled a double past third after a walk to Gates, and Gates scored on Chris Stringfellow’s single. Martinez scored on a fielder’s choice.

Designated hitter Brett Kay doubled off the wall in left leading off the fourth, and successful bunts by Gates and Martinez brought in Kay. After a sacrifice, bloop hits by Bacani and Steve Woodward scored two more runs. Bacani scored later on a balk.