News Summary
In a thrilling baseball game, Pepperdine defeated San Diego State 7-4 after 11 innings at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Despite a strong start from the Aztecs, Pepperdine capitalized on defensive errors, leading to their victory. The game featured late-inning heroics and dramatic moments, culminating in a bases-clearing triple. San Diego State now faces the challenge of regrouping before their next matchup.
San Diego, CA – Pepperdine Emerges Victorious in Thrilling 11-Inning Showdown
In a nail-biting baseball clash on Tuesday evening at Tony Gwynn Stadium, Pepperdine took down San Diego State 7-4 after extra innings, marking the Aztecs’ third consecutive loss. The game concluded the 10th annual Tony Gwynn Legacy series, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and a bit of disappointment.
Defensive Woes Haunt the Aztecs
While the game was electrifying, it wasn’t without its share of drama. The San Diego State Aztecs, who fell to a 3-5 record, struggled on the defensive side, committing a total of five costly errors. Strikingly, five of Pepperdine’s seven runs were unearned, showcasing how critical these mistakes were in the overall outcome of the game.
Things kicked off early with a bang when San Diego State’s Finley Bates blasted a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning, setting the tone for hope among the Aztecs’ faithful. However, as the game unfolded, it became evident that the excitement would only boil over later.
Late-Inning Heroics from San Diego State
For much of the game, Pepperdine trailed the Aztecs until the eighth inning, when San Diego was able to generate some late-inning fireworks. Starting off the eighth, Josh Quezada hit his first home run of the season, followed by a series of hits that would leave the Aztec fans roaring with delight. Nevan Noonan and Cody Liscio each contributed with significant hits, leading San Diego State to a 4-3 advantage.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Aztecs, however. Their lead faced challenges when Insurance runs provided Pepperdine the opportunity to tie the game at 4-4. An error in the ninth allowed Cam Conley to reach home, reigniting the intensity of the matchup. The suspense was palpable as both teams held their breath through the ninth, leading to extra innings.
Extra Innings Drama
The game extended into the eleventh inning, where the stakes were higher than ever. That’s when Max Aude stepped up to the plate, smashing a bases-clearing triple that propelled Pepperdine ahead, securing the victory at 7-4. This nail-biter of an inning left fans on the edge of their seats, fully immersing them in the thrill of college baseball.
Peyton Rodgers of San Diego State took the loss, as he unraveled in the eleventh, allowing three unearned runs to cross home plate. On the other side of the field, Pepperdine’s Matt Queen was credited with the win after an impressive inning and a third in relief, striking out three of San Diego State’s batters. Starting pitcher Dylan Stewart also shined for Pepperdine, striking out six over five solid innings, ensuring the team remained competitive throughout.
What’s Next for the Aztecs?
Fans won’t have to wait long to see if the Aztecs can bounce back from this challenging stretch. San Diego State will be gearing up for a crosstown showdown against the University of San Diego on February 26, 2025, with the first pitch set for 6 p.m. PT. With the potential for redemption on the horizon, fans are hopeful that their team can shake off these defeats and come back stronger.
As the dust settles on this game, it’s evident that both teams played hard, but it was Pepperdine’s relentless determination that earned them the sweet taste of victory amid a backdrop of defensive struggles for San Diego State. Baseball fans, hold on tight—there’s plenty more action expected as the season unfolds!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- San Diego State Aztecs
- Pepperdine Waves
- UC San Diego Tritons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
- Google Search: College Baseball news
