Cougars Not So Neighborly

Box Score AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific scored 7 runs in its first at-bat and never looked back in recording an 8-5 win over neighboring Cal Poly Pomona in the 2002 season opener for both teams.

The win is the Cougars' eighth straight over the Broncos, dating back to 1998, and it is also the sixth straight season-opening win for the Cougars.

The Cougars scattered 10 hits as each starter recorded at least one. Senior All-GSAC Matt Dzama was the lone Cougar to record at least 2 hits, including an RBI triple in the sixth inning.

After starter Nick Padilla threw a scoreless inning to start the game, the Cougars sandwiched a pair of walks around a sacrifice and a stolen base, putting runners on second and third with one out. The Cougars then pieced together 4 singles, 3 stolen bases a 2 RBI double and a hit batter, and by the time the dust had settled, the Cougars led 7-0.

The Broncos answered with a single run in the third, then put up 3 more in the top of the fourth, cutting the gap to 7-4.

With the Cougars leading 7-4, Dzama belted a ball off the left-centerfield fence that awkwardly caromed into centerfield. Sophomore Robbie Lindsey scored easily from second base, but Dzama was thrown out at the plate attempting an inside-the-park home run. As he slid into the plate, Dzama collided with Bronco catcher Jonathan Alexander and injuring his left wrist in the process. Dzama was forced to leave the game, and his status is unknown at this time.

Padilla went 4 innings, giving up 6 hits and 4 earned runs but got no decision. He struck out 3 and walked just one in the process. Junior Andy Alstot came on in relief to pick up the win, pitching 3 hitless innings, allowing one run, while walking 4.

Cal Poly threatened in the eighth, getting the bases loaded with no outs. However, after scoring just one run, Azusa Pacific head coach turned the ball over to senior closer B.J. Litchfield. Azusa Pacific's record holder for saves in a season (11 last year) pitched the final 2 outs of the eight and the ninth to record the save.

Dzama finished with 3 RBIs, and junior Rocky Binkowski added 2, both coming from a first-inning double.

With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 1-0 overall. Cal Poly Pomona falls to 0-1. These 2 teams will meet again Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in Pomona.

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