Philadelphia, PA – Despite being out-hit, the second-seed Arizona State Sun Devils were able to survive with a 5-3 victory over the third-seed New Mexico Lobos in the first game of the Fullerton Regional.
The Sun Devils (36-20-1) had just four hits in the contest but took advantage of three errors from the Lobos to capture the victory. James McDonald was 1- for-2 in the contest with his three-run home run proving to be the biggest blow. Trevor Williams earned the win by letting up three runs over 7 2/3 innings while Ryan Burr got the final four outs of the contest for the save.
Josh Walker lasted 7 1/3 innings and allowed just one earned run but also three additional unearned runs to take the loss for New Mexico (37-21). The Lobos had eight hits as a team with Mitch Garver (2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI) leading the way.
In the final game of the 2013 NCAA Tournaments opening day the Cal State Fullerton Titans earned a 4-1 victory over the Columbia Lions.
Grahamm Wiest pitched all nine innings for the Titans (49-8) and allowed just a single run on three hits while striking out four. Matt Chapman was 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI to lead the way offensively.
David Speer took the loss for Columbia (27-20) as he allowed four runs, three of which were earned, on five hits in 6 2/3 innings of work.
On Saturday New Mexico and Columbia will meet up in the loser's bracket while Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State will play later in the day in the winner's bracket. The winner of the New Mexico/Columbia contest will face the loser between Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State on Sunday for a spot in the regional final. The loser of the New Mexico/Columbia contest on Saturday will be eliminated from the tournament.
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