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batted balls · 08-02-2006, 01:18 PM

May 27, 2007

Los Angeles--Anyone doubting Mark Prior's abilities this season need look no further than Thursday's record-breaking performance.

Prior, last year's West Golden Arm Award winner, struck out 15 batters in eight innings as Southern California toppled Texas 7-0. In addition, Prior allowed just one hit and walked none.

"Mark was overpowering today," said USC catcher Dennis Littlejohn. "He was as good as I've seen him."

Prior began the game by striking out the side in the first inning. The lone Texas hit came on a third-inning single by catcher Keith Moreland.

"Looking back, I was fortunate to get our one hit," said Moreland. "Prior was really on top on his game."

Longhorn leadoff hitter Pinky Higgins struck out in all four of his at-bats.

"He had me off balance all day," Higgins said. "His curve was so good that it made his fastball seem unhittable. Guess he nearly was today."

The win lifted Prior's record to 5-3 and lowered his ERA to 2.39. Barry Latman came out of the bullpen to strike out the side in the ninth. Left-hander Bruce Ruffin (6-6) took the loss for Texas.

"We didn't hardly get any wood on the ball today," Texas manager Cliff Gustafson said. "Things have got to change for us, and they've got to change quickly."

Prior broke the old record of 13 set by Fred Beebe of Illinois last year. The USC right-hander leads the All-American Baseball League with 97 strikeouts.

USC improved to an AABL-best 36-16 with the win. The Trojans lead second-place Arizona State by five games. The Sun Devils were defeated by UCLA 6-1 as left-hander Floyd Bannister (8-1) suffered his first loss of the season.

Clapinski Hits for Cycle as Cal Rolls

Berkeley, Calif.--Cal third baseman Chris Clapinski hit for the cycle as the Golden Bears rolled to an 11-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton.

Clapinski, just a .215 hitter entering the game, went 4-for-5 and drove home a career-high five runs. Clapinski, who raised his average to .233, singled in the second inning off loser Jeff Robinson (4-5). In the third, he doubled home a run. In the seventh, Clapinski hit a 347-foot grand slam off reliver Chad Cordero. That left only the triple.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't in my mind," said Clapinski. "We were up 11-0 so I figured why not go for it."

Clapinski drilled a line drive into the right-center field gap off reliever Brent Billingsley in the ninth. Clapinski then beat a relay throw on a close play at third to complete his cycle.

"We've never seen Chris run like that," joked Cal center fielder Sam Chapman.

Clapinski became just the second player this season to hit for the cycle. Florida State third baseman Eduardo Perez accomplished the feat April 19.

Somewhat lost in the excitement was Cal right-hander Andy Messersmith's dominant two-hit performance. Messersmith, 5-1, lowered his ERA to 1.66.

08-02-2006, 01:18 PM	#200 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Prior Breaks Single-Game Strikeout Record; Clapinski Hits for Cycle May 27, 2007 Los Angeles--Anyone doubting Mark Prior's abilities this season need look no further than Thursday's record-breaking performance. Prior, last year's West Golden Arm Award winner, struck out 15 batters in eight innings as Southern California toppled Texas 7-0. In addition, Prior allowed just one hit and walked none. "Mark was overpowering today," said USC catcher Dennis Littlejohn. "He was as good as I've seen him." Prior began the game by striking out the side in the first inning. The lone Texas hit came on a third-inning single by catcher Keith Moreland. "Looking back, I was fortunate to get our one hit," said Moreland. "Prior was really on top on his game." Longhorn leadoff hitter Pinky Higgins struck out in all four of his at-bats. "He had me off balance all day," Higgins said. "His curve was so good that it made his fastball seem unhittable. Guess he nearly was today." The win lifted Prior's record to 5-3 and lowered his ERA to 2.39. Barry Latman came out of the bullpen to strike out the side in the ninth. Left-hander Bruce Ruffin (6-6) took the loss for Texas. "We didn't hardly get any wood on the ball today," Texas manager Cliff Gustafson said. "Things have got to change for us, and they've got to change quickly." Prior broke the old record of 13 set by Fred Beebe of Illinois last year. The USC right-hander leads the All-American Baseball League with 97 strikeouts. USC improved to an AABL-best 36-16 with the win. The Trojans lead second-place Arizona State by five games. The Sun Devils were defeated by UCLA 6-1 as left-hander Floyd Bannister (8-1) suffered his first loss of the season. Clapinski Hits for Cycle as Cal Rolls Berkeley, Calif.--Cal third baseman Chris Clapinski hit for the cycle as the Golden Bears rolled to an 11-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton. Clapinski, just a .215 hitter entering the game, went 4-for-5 and drove home a career-high five runs. Clapinski, who raised his average to .233, singled in the second inning off loser Jeff Robinson (4-5). In the third, he doubled home a run. In the seventh, Clapinski hit a 347-foot grand slam off reliver Chad Cordero. That left only the triple. "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't in my mind," said Clapinski. "We were up 11-0 so I figured why not go for it." Clapinski drilled a line drive into the right-center field gap off reliever Brent Billingsley in the ninth. Clapinski then beat a relay throw on a close play at third to complete his cycle. "We've never seen Chris run like that," joked Cal center fielder Sam Chapman. Clapinski became just the second player this season to hit for the cycle. Florida State third baseman Eduardo Perez accomplished the feat April 19. Somewhat lost in the excitement was Cal right-hander Andy Messersmith's dominant two-hit performance. Messersmith, 5-1, lowered his ERA to 1.66. Attached Images __________________ White Sox fan since 1972 Last edited by batted balls; 08-02-2006 at 01:27 PM.