The BYU baseball team took two out of three games against the University of San Diego, improving their overall record to 25-5.
Right-handed pitcher Michael Rucker led the Cougars to a 12-2 win on Thursday, April 7. Rucker struck out six in six and two-thirds innings and remained undefeated on the season, moving to 7-0.
First baseman Tanner Chauncey led the offensive charge for BYU going 3-5 including a double. Chauncey recorded three RBIs and scored two runs. Catcher Bronson Larsen went 2-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored in the win.
“I said we’re going to come out Thursday and play just like we have all the time and we did,” said head coach Mike Littlewood. “It was a tough game and a great game.”
The series continued on Friday with a 13-1 Cougar victory behind right-handed pitcher Maverik Buffo’s six and one-third innings. Buffo gave up only the one earned run and moved to 6-1 on the year.
Center fielder Brennon Lund led the way for BYU going 4-6 including two doubles and two RBIs. Lund also scored three runs. Right fielder Keaton Kringlen went 3-4 and recorded three RBIs in the win.
“Sometimes you just have to grind it out against good pitching and that’s what our team has done so far this season,” Littlewood said. “Tonight we did a really good job of seeing pitches which allowed us to swing at strikes and take balls.”
The series concluded on Saturday as the San Diego Toreros were able to beat the Cougars 13-7. BYU committed five errors leading to five unearned runs for the Toreros. Left fielder Eric Urry went 2-3 and had two RBIs in the loss.
“Bottom line is we just didn’t pitch it well enough,” Littlewood said. “We scored seven runs, that should be enough to win a game.”
BYU moved to 25-5 on the season.
The Cougars will finish their five-game home stand as they face the rival Utes in a home game on Tuesday, April 12.
