(Story courtesy of Trinity University)
AUSTIN, Texas - Trinity's sixth-ranked baseball team opened up its part at the West Region Tournament with a 1-0 win over No. 8 Cal Lutheran University on Wednesday afternoon. Official Site | Box Score
The Tigers improved their overall record to 37-7 this season, tying the school record for wins in one season. Cal Lutheran fell to 34-8-1 on the year.
Ryan Lucero (10-1) earned the complete-game victory with a six-hit shutout, striking out seven batters. It marked his fourth complete game of the season, and his third shutout in 13 starts. Lucero did not allow a walk, retiring the final nine batters consecutively to seal the win.
The win by Lucero was the 29th in his career, moving past Trinity Hall of Famer Mickey Mahler (1971-74) for second place on the all-time wins list.
The teams were locked in a scoreless pitcher's duel through most of the game, with Trinity scoring the only run of the game on a unique play in the top of the seventh. After a leadoff walk and a groundout, the Tigers got thrown out trying to steal third for the second out, and it looked like another scoreless inning for the game.
Kelly Woodruff then doubled to left field, then went to third on a throwing error by the left fielder. After the shortstop picked up the errant throw, he bobbled it, allowing Woodruff to continue around to score on the play.
Trinity will take on the winner of Pomona-Pitzer College and the University of Texas-Tyler at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow evening.
