Box Score
STOCKTON, Calif. – Justin Maffei did not register an official at-bat in San Francisco's 5-2 win over Pacific on Tuesday night, but he factored heavily into the final outcome.
The Dons' (24-28, 9-9 WCC) center fielder reached base three times and stole his 22nd, 23rd, and 24th bases of the season after drawing two walks and getting hit by a pitch in his first three plate appearances.
"That was a first for me," Maffei said. "I've stolen three bases in a game before, but tonight was the first time I've done it without registering an at-bat. Last fall I worked a lot with Coach Nakamura on my base stealing technique and that's really what I attribute my success to this season. I've worked on reading pitchers moves more and that has helped lead to a higher success rate."
Before the first out of the game was recorded, Maffei stole two bases in the top of the first inning after drawing a lead off walk. In the process, the Foster City, Calif. native extended his streak of reaching base in his first plate appearance to five straight contests. Maffei now ranks ninth in the Dons' single season record books with 24 stolen bases. RBI singles from Nik Balog and Matt Chavez capped the three-run frame for the Dons.
San Francisco starter Andrew Pulido (2-2) earned the win, tossing three near-perfect innings in his fourth start of the season. The junior right-hander allowed one hit and hit a batter, but faced just one over the minimum.
"My body was loose and I felt great out there," Pulido said. "I just tried to execute my plan and let my defense make plays behind me." When asked how it felt to pitch to freshman catcher Tyler Schultz, Pulido responded, "We were on the same page tonight. We work together a lot in short games during practice and I trust him."
Redshirt freshman Sheldon Lee came on in relief of Pulido and also pitched three scoreless innings, striking out three and scattering two hits.
Bob Mott, in his first at-bat since injuring his ankle on April 5, delivered an RBI sac fly in the top of the seventh to give the Dons a five run lead.
Pacific (11-35, 1-14 Big West) scored single runs in the seventh and ninth innings, but senior southpaw Jordan Remer pitched through two ninth inning errors to secure the Dons victory.
San Francisco will play its final homestand of the 2012 season on Friday at 3:00 p.m. as they face the Santa Clara Broncos. Sunday's series finale at 1:00 p.m. will be Senior Day with a pre-game ceremony honoring 10 graduating players.
