University of San Francisco Athletics

Box Score  
 
 
 
SAN FRANCISCO – All good things must come to an end, and even when you're as hot as the University of San Francisco Diamond Dons have been, it hurts all the same. Loyola Marymount (19-19, 8-6 WCC) ended USF's eight-game winning streak Saturday at Benedetti Diamond, scoring two runs in the ninth for a 4-3 win, and handing USF (22-16, 9-4 WCC) just its second loss in 13 games.
 
Starting pitchers Alex Balog and Aaron Griffin were locked in a pitchers duel for much of the game as both pitched into the eighth inning of what was a 2-2 game. Balog surrendered two runs in the first, and Griffin two in the second before both settled down. Balog tied a season high with nine strikeouts, scattering ten hits and allowing just one earned run in 7.1 innings.
 
After falling behind 2-0 early, the Dons tied the game in the second on RBI singles by Josh Miller and Ryan Matranga.
 
The game remained tied 2-2 until the eighth, when Zachary Turner doubled to right center to drive in Bradley Zimmer to give the Dons a one-run lead.
 
The bullpen couldn't hold the lead, as some bad luck plagued USF in the top of the ninth. After allowing a one-out double by pinch-hitter Mitchell Esser, Dons closer Adam Cimber induced a groundball from the next hitter that hit Cimber's leg, rolling into right field and allowing LMU to tie the game. A passed ball and RBI groundout were all the Lions needed to take the lead, and two LMU pitchers made it stand up, retiring the Dons in order in the ninth.
 
Turner remained hot, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double.
 
Sean Buckle (1-0) earned the win for LMU. Cimber (2-2) took the loss for USF.
 
The Dons and Lions face off in the rubber game of the series tomorrow at Benedetti Diamond. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
Inside the Numbers
 
Bob Mott faced two batters in the eighth inning, went out to left field when Adam Cimber came on in relief, then returned to the mound after Cimber was removed from the game.
 
Line of the Game
 
Alex Balog – 7.1 innings, 10 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, 9 strikeouts