[batted balls]

May 3, 2008

Fullerton, Calif.--The sad saga of Don Shaw continued Monday.

The 25-year-old left-hander lost his 20th consecutive decision as Cal State Fullerton scored a 3-1 victory over Shaw and the San Diego State Aztecs in All-American Baseball League West action.

"Don deserves better than this," said Aztec manager Charlie Smith. "He's a battler through and through."

Shaw, winless in 59 career starts over three seasons, allowed two runs in the first inning. Those runs came home on a two-out double by Cal State Fullerton first baseman Dave Staton.

"I hung him a breaking ball," said Shaw. "I've done that way too many times."

After retiring the first batter in the second inning, Shaw felt a twinge in his left elbow. Smith and head trainer Bill McGehee examined Shaw and decided to remove him from the game.

"We errored on the side of caution," said Smith.

Shaw, 0-4 on the season, allowed two runs on two hits in his 1.1 innings. He walked one and struck out one. Mike Couchee replaced Shaw and held Cal State Fullerton to just one more run--a solo homer by Aaron Rowand--in his 6.2 innings of work.

However, the San Diego State offense failed to score off Titan starter Kirk Saarloos and reliever Brent Billingsley in their eight innings. Closer Mike Schooler came out of the bullpen to pitch the ninth. After surrendering a leadoff home run to Pete Coscarart, Schooler retired the next three hitters for his fifth save. Saarloos earned the victory, improving his record to 2-3.

Shaw will be examined by team doctors later this week. Most likely, he will miss his next start and may be placed in the bullpen.

"That would take strain off his elbow," said Smith.

It would also take strain off his record-setting losing streak.