May 25, 2001
Fullerton, Calif. - Top-seeded Cal State Fullerton put up 10 runs in the second inning while four different Titan batters had three hits on the night to help pace Fullerton to a, 17-3, romp over No. 4 Temple in NCAA Regional action on Friday night at Goodwin Field.
Cal State Fullerton improved to 42-15 overall and 1-0 in regional play. Temple fell to 27-30 overall and 0-1 in regional play. The Titans will meet No. 2 Arizona State on Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. PDT while the Owls will face Texas Tech in the first game on Saturday at 1 p.m. PDT.
After scoring two runs in the first inning on an RBI single by designated hitter Jason Corapci and a bases loaded walk to shortstop Mike Rouse, the Titans exploded for 10 runs in the second inning, which was capped by a three-run home run to right centerfield by Rouse to give Cal State Fullerton a, 12-0, advantage.
Mike Nunez made the start on the mound for the Titans, but left in the fourth after experiencing tightness in his tricep on his throwing arm. Nunez surrendered only one run on two hits while walking two and striking out three.
Nick Lovato (2-4) was superb in relief, throwing 4 2/3 innings while giving up two runs on four hits, walking one and striking out five to earn the victory.
Greg Powell (7-8) lasted just one inning, surrendering 10 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits, walking one and striking out one.
Junior third baseman Shawn Norris led the Titans at the plate, going 3-for-4 on the afternoon with two runs scored and seven RBI. Rouse was 3-for-5 at the plate with three runs scored and three RBI, while junior catcher Brett Kay had a pair of doubles and two RBI on the night.