Story Published:
Jun 23, 2008 at 3:32 AM EDT
Story Updated:
Jun 23, 2008 at 3:32 AM EDT
Allison's performance was one of the ages, a classic that will go down on Bulldog lore. Head coach Mike Batesole didn't know what to expect or how long he could last. What Batesole got was a gutsy six inning performance that kept the Tar Heels off balance all night.
"That was a gutsy performance when we needed it the most," said Batesole. "It was a mental battle for (Clayton) Allison, and he won it. The infielders made smart decisions and all three pitchers were locked in and located their pitches. They (pitchers) had outstanding plate discipline. To have the focus they did on the mound is what I'm most proud of. These guys are worn down and they found a way to focus all nine innings."
Allison allowed a double off his first pitch to start the game in the first inning and after allowing a walk, shut the Tar Heels down with a fly ball, popup and ground ball out. He set the Heels down in order in the top of the second inning.
Adam Warren (9-2, 4.32 ERA) was the losing pitcher in the first Fresno State vs. North Carolina match-up. He returned to the mound to start for the Tar Heels for the second time in the tournament.
Shortstop Danny Muno, the 2008 WAC Freshman of the Year, drew a walk off a 3-2 count in the bottom of the first. Centerfielder Gavin Hedstrom pushed him to second with a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt. With All-WAC second baseman Erik Wetzel at the plate, Muno moved to third base on a wild pitch. He was stranded there as Warren struck-out the next two Bulldogs.
All-WAC first baseman Alan Ahmady, one of the NCAA RBI leaders, drew a walk to start the second inning for Fresno State. Third baseman Tommy Mendonca, who has two homeruns in the CWS, also drew a walk. Catcher Ryan Overland tried to move the runners up, but his sacrifice bunt attempt back to the pitcher was thrown to third base to force out Ahmady. After designated hitter Jordan Ribera walked to load the bases, North Carolina brought in Brian Moran (1-1, 2.45 ERA) to pitch. Moran made a brief appearance in Saturday night's win for the Tar Heels.
