Pitcher's hitting leads Arizona to weekend sweep

That's what designated hitters are for. But every now and then, a pitcher who can hit gets the chance.

The Arizona baseball team must be quite grateful that they gave pitcher Rob Shabansky that chance.

Shabansky launched a grand slam off the scoreboard in right field in the bottom of the 10th inning Saturday night, giving Arizona a 5-1 win to sweep a three game series from Portland State (1-5).

"This was one of the best games I've been involved with," Shabansky said. "I don't know (how I hit it). This has just been a great experience."

The No. 10 Wildcats (16-0) got more than they bargained for in the final game of the series, as the Vikings held Arizona to just one run before Shabansky's big hit.

The previous two scores looked almost comical, with Arizona coming out on top 25-6 earlier Saturday and 22-1 Friday.

"We're glad for a close game," UA head coach Jerry Stitt said. "It was good for us. There will be times we'll have to play a double header in the Six-Pac and this will help prepare us for those times."

The second game had been scheduled for only seven innings, but PSU starter Tony Blackhurst shut Arizona's big bats down.

"Their pitcher threw a great game," Shabansky said. "Luckily we're a great team."

Shabansky came into the game as a pinch hitter for DH Russ Brown, and then stayed in to DH in the bottom of the 10th.

"He really is a good hitter," Stitt said. "He had a real good day yesterday."

In the first game of the doubleheader, Shabansky struck out nine en route to his fifth win of the season.

Offensively, the Wildcats had multiple stars. Right fielder Colin Porter hit a grand slam and drove in seven runs while going 3 for 5. Shortstop Keoni DeRenne was 4 for 5 with his fourth homer of the season, driving in five runs on the day.

Friday's blowout was also highlighted by DeRenne, who went 4 for 4 with a triple and a homer. Second baseman Erik Mattern went 5 for 6 with three RBI, while Porter hit a home run over the 50-foot wall in center field.

Arizona now sets its sights on fifth-ranked Southern Cal, as the two teams match up for a three game series to open Pacific 10 Conference Southern Division play in Los Angeles next weekend.