Storm stops Arizona

Jake Thrower Arizona Daily Wildcat

The Wildcats (6-5) crushed the Cal State-Dominguez Hills Toros 26-10 in a game called after five innings because of rain. Arizona racked up 22 hits, 11 for extra bases, off of four Toro pitchers. Freshman right hander Dave Abbott (1-0) earned the win in 2 /3 innings of relief. Anthony Palka (0-1), who was only able to get two out in the first inning, got the loss.

Arizona started the game by scoring 11 runs on eight hits in the bottom of the first, and scored another 11 runs off of 9 hits in the bottom of the second.

"They had a good attitude (about the game)," UA head coach Jerry Stitt said. "They learned a lot from the Pros Sunday about focusing on the game."

A new school record was set when junior shortstop Jake Thrower collected his fourth hit in his fourth at-bat, extending is hitting streak to 11 straight at-bats. The record had been held by Carl Thomas, who had ten consecutive hits in 1956. Thrower finish ed the day with two doubles, a triple, 5 RBI and 3 runs.

According to Stitt, Thrower was unaware about the streak until it was announced over the P.A. that he had tied the record with his third hit of the game.

"With a team player like Jake, all he is worried about is scoring runs for the team," Stitt said.

The Wildcats also tied the school record for wild pitches in a game, with senior right hander Tyler Haddix having three and freshman right hander Kevin Huff contributing two.

After the 4 1/2 innings, the Wildcats were threatening to break a few more school records, including runs in a game (40, against St. Francis 2/22/95), hits (32 against New Mexico 5/7/65), and RBI (32 against New Mexico 5/7/56). The Wildcats finished with 24 RBI.

Everyone in the starting line-up contributed to the victory. All nine hitters had at least one hit, one RBI, and two runs scored. Freshman Mike Meyer continued his hot hitting, going 2 for 3 with 2 RBI, 3 runs, and a double.

Junior catcher Tom King hit his first home run of the year, and finished the day 2 for 2 with 3 runs and 3 RBI.

Despite the blow out, the pitching did have problems at times, allowing nine batters to hit in the fourth inning. Arizona pitchers combined for eight walks, while only striking out five.

"Its tough to pitch with a large lead," Stitt said. "Its difficult to keep your focus. Of course, its always a concern when we don't throw strikes."

The Wildcats and Toros (3-1) meet up again today at Sancet Field at 2:30. Arizona will send junior right hander David Quick to the mound.