Feb. 4, 2003

Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. - Six Fresno State pitchers combined for a six-hit shutout as Fresno State defeated UC Irvine 1-0 at Anteater Ballpark in the season opener for both teams.

The victory came in Mike Batesole's first game as the Bulldogs' head coach. He is just the third man to guide Fresno State since 1948.

The game's only run came in the top of the eighth inning. With one out, Chris Patrick singled to left then stole second. After a Casey McGehee ground out, Cody Smith was walked intentionally. Pierce then stepped up and knocked a single into left, scoring Patrick.

Smith started the game for Fresno State and went three innings, allowing two hits while striking out three. Bryan Wolfenbarger, Josh Glynn, Matt Garza and Brett Young all paved the way for Chad Edwards, who pitched the ninth for the save.

The Bulldogs entered this year with a pitching staff that did not register one start for Fresno State during the 2002 season. Only three players on the current roster saw time on the mound last year.

Garza, who pitched a perfect seventh inning, picked up the win. Paul Tripoli took the loss.

Fresno State returns home to host 13th-ranked Cal State Fullerton in a three-game series that begins Friday at 6:35 p.m. at Beiden Field.