FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State baseball team opened the 2024 season with a 7-3 victory over first-time opponent Milwaukee on Friday evening at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Jake Dixon made his return to the mound this season with a three-up, three-down opening inning. In the bottom of the inning, newcomer Eddie Saldivar made his Bulldog debut with a single down the middle, followed by a sacrifice fly from Murf Gray to bring him across the plate.
The Panthers snagged a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth with an RBI triple crushed down the right field line.
Senior Ben Newton woke up the offense in the seventh with a triple that sent Marco Pirruccello home to tie the game at two.
The runs kept coming in the eighth inning for the Bulldogs as they loaded the bases with a pair of walks and hit by pitches. Murf Gray scored on a wild pitch, giving the 'Dogs a 3-2 advantage.
Pirruccello walked to reload the bases, followed by Newton's second RBI hit of the game, adding two more runs for the Bulldogs.
The Diamond 'Dogs claimed two more runs on an error by the Panthers' left fielder, and in the top of the ninth Milwaukee made an attempt at a comeback with a sacrifice fly to center field, but ultimately fell short for a final score of 7-3 in favor of Fresno State.
NOTES:
With the win, Fresno State has now won 15 of their last 16 games on Opening Day.
Victor Arreola claimed the win for the night, the fourth win of his career.
Preseason All-Mountain West selection Jake Dixon pitched in 5.0 innings in his return to the field with eight strikeouts and only one earned run.
Shortstop Ben Newton led the Bulldog offense with three RBIs, a double and a triple.
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs are back on the diamond on Saturday against Milwaukee with first pitch set for 12:35 p.m. PT at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium.