March 21, 2005

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Senior right fielder Matt Wilkerson blasted his fourth home run of the season and senior third baseman David Figoni extended his hitting streak to 17 games as the UC Santa Barbara baseball team (11-11) defeated Stony Brook (5-9) 4-2 on a windy afternoon at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium. In a predetermined four inning start, pitcher Steve Morlock (2-4) picked-up his second win of the 2005 campaign by allowing only five hits and two earned runs.

Stony Brook, playing in their fourth game in as many days, struck first by tallying two quick runs o n three straight hits in the top of the first inning.

The Gauchos would cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second inning as Wilkerson went the opposite way and drove his fourth round-tripper over the right field wall. He now has 33 career home runs and is on shy of becoming no. 3 all-time in UCSB history.

Santa Barbara took the lead as it strung together three straight hits in the bottom of the third inning. Freshman second baseman Alden Carrithers began the rally with a one out single to left field. He moved into scoring position as he stole his first base of the season. David Figoni then cashed in Carrithers with his single to center field. Senior shortstop Chris Malec put the Gauchos ahead with a RBI single to center field.

UCSB would add one more run as insurance in the bottom of the fifth inning. Freshman designated hitter Matt Aidem would drive in Malec with a single to left center field.

Starting pitcher junior Steve Morlock won his second game by allowing only five hits and two earned runs. Morlock is pencil-in to get the start on Saturday against Oral Roberts.

Junior pitcher Michael Martin, scheduled to start on Friday against the Golden Eagles, entered the game in the fifth inning. In 2.0 innings of relief, Martin allowed no hits and struck out the side in the sixth inning.

Relief pitchers Nate Holguin and Alex McRobbie looked very impressive out of the bullpen. Holguin pitched 2.0 innings and did not allow a hit. McRobbie inked his fourth save of the season by shutting the door on the Sea Wolves in the top of the 9th.

With two hits in Monday¹s affair, Figoni extended his hitting streak to 17 games.

Stony Brook starter Brian Murtagh (1-1) lost his first game of the season as he pitched 5.0 innings, allowing four earned runs and seven hits.