First baseman Joe Torrise has played brilliantly on defense along with swinging a hot bat. The Dons were paced by two, run by Joe Torrise. Steve Scolini and Tim Fitzpatricks went 2-3 at the plate. In game two the Dons came up short, losing another tough one 7-5. Christ Kroener went 2-3 and Joe Torrise 2-2 at the plate were the bright spots in the losing cause.
The Dons opened their three game set with Fresno State in front of a packed stadium and a local television audience. Steve Epidendio took the mound for USF and was opposed by Rich Bordi of Fresno. Both pitchers pitched extremely well, but a two-run eighth enabled the Bulldogs to pull away with a 4-1 victory. The Dons got their only run on singles by Joe Torrise, Tony Scoma and Mark Johnson. With their tough schedule and heavy amount of doubleheaders, the Dons will need a good bench. When Dennis Laurel missed the Fresno series with a leg injury, Joe Torrise stepped in with five hits in nine at bats. That's what the Dons needed all season long. One spokesman close to the team said the Dons received a severe tongue lashing from Coach Benedetti after their defeat to Fresno. Benedetti should realize that transforming the Dons into consistent winners won't happen over night. The players have complete confidence in Benedetti and Coach Benedetti should in turn have complete confidence in his players. They have the talent, what is needed is the desire and a lot of hard work (TheFoghorn).
