Pitching could be a huge factor for the Bulldogs

If you've gotten a chance to watch this team or maybe you're just reading the box scores or hearing first person accounts from friends, you've probably heard a pattern emerging. That pattern seems to the pitching for the Bulldogs.

Over the last five games, four of those five games have been decided by three runs or less, only two of the four have the Bulldogs come out on top. Yesterday was, yet another, example of just how good their pitching really is, but maybe it's showing how disappointing their offense may be. The Bulldogs hung tough, shutting out Oregon through eight full innings before giving up the game winner in the home half of the ninth, dropping a 1-0 decision in Eugene.

Senior right-hander Holden Sprague has his second great outing in as many starts. Sprague went 7 2/3 shutout innings, giving up just four hits and striking out four. Unfortunately, his efforts were matched by Oregon's started, who went eight shutout innings.

Bulldogs' head coach Mike Batesole, "It was a great atmosphere and they have done a great job with this field. It reminds me a little bit of being in Reno. We played outstanding defense. Tommy (Mendonca) had some really nice plays. We did a lot of good things, but offensively you have to give their guy credit."

If Fresno State is going to make a run at defending their title, their offense needs to get going right along with their good pitching performances. They don't want to waste a great outing from their pitchers, giving them no help offensively. It could make for a very long season.