Jay Gagner held fifth-ranked Cal State Fullerton scoreless on just two
hits in seven innings of work to lead unranked Minnesota to a 7-1 win
over the Titans in a nonconference game Friday night in the Metrodome.
The Golden Gophers improved to 5-4 overall and 2-0 all-time against the
Titans. Fullerton saw its seven-game winning streak snapped and fell to
15-2, though the Titans have still equalled the 1994, 1995 and 1996 teams
for the best start through 17 games.
The Titans, who had season-lows in hits and runs, were two outs away from
being shut out before Jason Corapci's sacrifice fly scored Kyle Boyer
for the Titans' lone run.
Gagner retired the Titans in order three times in his seven innings of
work and didn't allow a Fullerton baserunner past first base in his last
five innings.
Fullerton freshman Ryan Schreppel, who came in with a 4-0 record and 0.62
ERA, endured his worst start to date, allowing all seven runs (five earned)
on seven hits in 4.1 innings. Schreppel had allowed just two earned runs
in 29.0 innings coming into the game.
The Gophers opened the second inning with three consecutive hits to score
once and Andy Hunter added a two-run single through the right side to
give Minnesota a 3-0 lead. An error by Titan third baseman Jason Corapci
opened the door for a pair of unearned runs in the fourth and the Gophers
chased Schreppel in the fifth after David Hrncirik singled and Luke Appert
doubled with one out. Jason Windsor came on, but allowed both runners
to score.
Richie Burgos had an infield single to extend his hitting streak to seven
games. Minnesota got two hits each from Matt Fornasiere and Hunter.
A pair of aces will meet on Saturday when Titan All-American Wes Littleton
duels 2002 Big Ten Conference Pitcher of the Year C.J. Woodrow in a 2
p.m. CST game.
