June 1, 2002
Stanford, Calif. (AP)--Jered Weaver threw three-hit ball over seven innings and Jeremy Reed hit a three-run homer as Long Beach State defeated Cal State Fullerton 4-0 in an NCAA Regional elimination game on Saturday night.
Tim Hutting and Mike Hofius each had two hits for the second-seeded 49ers (39-20), who will meet No. 1 seed Stanford for the championship on Sunday.
Chris Stringfellow had two hits as the No. 3 seeded Titans (37-22) were shutout for the first time all season.
Weaver (8-4), the brother of Detroit Tigers pitcher Jeff Weaver, allowed three hits while striking out six and walking three. He allowed just one runner past second base.
Weaver, a freshman, threw a four-hit shutout against Pacific two weeks ago, won his third straight decision. He has given up five runs over his last 29 innings (1.55 ERA).
Chris Demaria allowed one hit over the final two innings.
Fullerton starter Darric Merrell (7-5) allowed four runs on 10 hits over 5 1-3 innings. He struck out three and walked one.
The 49ers took a 3-0 lead in the third thanks to Reed's seventh home run of the season. After Kevin Randel and Tim Hutting singled, Reed hit a 1-0 delivery over the right field fence.
In the fifth, Reed walked, stole second and scored when Nick Covarrubias singled.
The 49ers swept Cal State Fullerton in the final three games of the regular season.
Both teams were playing their second game of the day. Long Beach State lost to Stanford 5-4 and Cal State Fullerton beat San Jose State 9-1.