Wildcats split first 2 games of series

The rubber game of the series was played late yesterday.

The seventh-ranked Aggies (6-3) got the win from junior right-handed pitcher Ryan Rupe (1-0), who pitched seven shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out seven in the 5-1 win. With the loss, the Wildcats' record stands at 8-6. Sophomore left-hander James Johnson (2-2) took the loss for Arizona.

Texas A&M led the entire game, scoring one run in the bottom of the first and then scoring twice in the second and twice in the third. Senior shortstop Rich Petru took care of most of the offense for the Aggies, finishing the day with 3 RBI, including a two-run homer in the third which made the game 5-0.

Arizona's only run of the game came in the top of the eighth when junior center fielder Diego Rico, who had two of Arizona's six hits, singled in junior right fielder Colin Porter.

Saturday marked the first start for junior second baseman Erik Mattern, who started the season with a mild case of mononucleosis. Hitting in the lead-off spot, he had a base hit and a walk.

In the opener on Friday, sophomore Greg Clark played the part of hero in Arizona's come-from-behind win.

Clark's two out single in the top of the ninth scored junior designated hitter Tom King for the decisive 3-2 score.

Trailing 2-1 going into the ninth inning, Rico lead off the inning with a single off of Texas A&M reliever Steve Scarborough, stole second and then took third when catcher Scott Sandusky's throw to second went into center field. Junior first baseman Kenny Corley hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Rico. King then singled and moved over to second on sophomore second baseman Omar Moraga's ground-out before scoring on Clark's hit.

Arizona received a stellar performance from sophomore right-hander Darrell Hussman (2-1), who was credited with the win. He allowed nine hits in eight innings, giving up only two runs and striking out four. Scarborough (1-1) took the loss for the Aggies. UA sophomore Ryan Moskau picked up his second save of the year.

The Aggies were unable to take advantage of an strong pitching performance from freshman Casey Fossum. He went eight innings, scattering five hits, allowed only one run and striking out 12 Wildcats. Freshman left fielder Keith Regina went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.

Senior Jeff Gjerde, who was also forced to leave the Wednesday game because of an injury, did not play against Texas A&M.