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Bob Drebin / isiphotos.com
Baseball

Seventh Proves Costly

Box Score

BERKELEY, Calif. - Stanford's late-inning lead was erased by a seven-run seventh as California rallied for an 8-4 win on Tuesday night in a nonconference contest.

Tied 1-1 through six innings, Stanford (1-7) scored twice in the top of the seventh to take a 3-1 lead. After an RBI double by Christian Robinson plated pinch runner Owen Cobb, the Cardinal tacked on when Nick Bellafronto came around to score on Nick Brueser's fielder's choice.

California (3-5) answered in the home half, evening the game at 3-3 following a bases loaded walk and sacrifice fly. The Golden Bears then gained even more separation, thanks to a three-run double from Grant Holman and a two-run homer by Brandon McIllwain.

The Cardinal pushed its final run across in the top of the eighth, when Cole Hinkelman scored on an RBI single from Austin Kretzschmar.

The first six innings featured strong pitching on both sides, especially from the Cardinal. Max Meier started and tossed 3.1 innings, allowing only one hit while striking out two. Brandon Dieter was even more impressive out of the bullpen, covering the next three innings while allowing only hit while striking out six and walking none.

Stanford returns to action Friday, Feb. 28, opening an 11-game homestand with a three-game series against Grand Canyon.