March 23, 2007

Spokane, Wash. - True freshman pitcher Jace Brinkerhoff went the distance as Utah Valley defeated Gonzaga, 5-3.

The Wolverines (6-14) used a five-run third inning to take care of the Bulldogs. Brinkerhoff gave up just one earned run and five hits to pick up his second win of the season, both of which came in complete game efforts. Dan Bulow had a big night from the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.

Gonzaga drew first blood in the first, benefiting from a UV throwing error to score its first run of the game. The Bulldogs' Dustin Colclough picked up a RBI single to give Gonzaga an early 2-0 lead.

After picking up two base hits in the first two innings without scoring a run, the Wolverine bats exploded in the third. Keiki Albino and Ryan Jones opened the third with back-to-back singles. After Tyler Garretson sacrificed the runners into scoring position, Adam Openshaw picked up a RBI on a ground out.

UV did most of its damage in the third with two outs in the inning. Derrick Thomas tied the score at two with a two-out, RBI single. Bulow followed with the big blow, a three-run shot to put the Wolverines ahead for good.

The five-run third was good enough to chase the Bulldogs' Josh Monroe from the game. UV handed Monroe his first loss of the season as he entered the game with a 3-0 record.

After the first inning, Brinkerhoff coasted giving up only one additional run and three hits throughout the rest of the game.

Gonzaga's final run was unearned as the Bulldogs scored in the bottom of the fifth on another Colclough RBI single.

The Wolverines threatened in the top of the ninth. Jones and Openshaw picked up singles, but were unable to score any runs.

The same two team will face off tomorrow at 2 p.m. (MDT) The series finale will be Sunday at the same time.