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	Vol.7, No 72, February 15, 2000
	Dirtbags not soiled By Tom Harshbarger Daily Forty-Niner Despite the threat of bad weather Sunday, the Long Beach State baseball team got to play an entire nine-inning game, beating California 3-2 at Blair Field and winning the series 2-1. The win gives the Dirtbags an even 3-3 record and drops Cal to 4-5.  LBSU pitchers kept the Golden Bears' from hitting but allowed 10 walks. Starter Russell Rohlicek allowed six free passes before being pulled in the top of the fifth inning.   He had a no-hitter and a 2-0 lead, but he walked the first two batters of the inning, and with the top of the order coming, LBSU Head Coach Dave Snow brought in relief pitcher Jeffery Cruz. "(Rohlicek) got great stuff," Snow said. "he's got a long way to go in terms of command, though.  "It's tough taking him out, because I want the guy to develop." Cruz, got his first out when shortstop Jason Williams was called for interference on his way to first. Cal Head Coach David Esquer passionately argued with first base umpire Dan Perugini, but to no avail. Cruz then walked the No. 2 hitter, second baseman Tommy Callen, to load the bases. However, Cruz got Cal third baseman Xavier Nady then grounded into a double play to end the threat. LBSU catcher Bryan Kennedy gave the Dirtbags insurance in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI single, putting them up 3-0. It later turn out to be the game-winning run. In the top of the seventh, Cruz gave up a double and two walks to load the bases again for Nady. He would not be denied this time, rapping a two-run single to bring Cal within one. Snow reified Cruz with pitcher Josh Alliston came in with runners on first and second and one out and got catcher Mike Tonis, the cleanup hitter, to pop out to second. First baseman Clint Hoover then struck out swinging. Alliston pitched the final two innings with ease to record his first save. Cruz earned the win, his first. Kennedy is breaking out of the horrific slump he's been in so far this season. After hitting twice in his first 17 at-bats, he's 4 for 8 over the last two games, with two RBIs in each game. His average rose from .118 to .240. It was just mechanical stuff that was making him struggle, Kennedy said. "I put in a lot of work this week. I just felt very comfortable at the plate today, and I had quality at-bats." Kennedy said. The weather never became a factor for the players, but it kept the fans away. Paid attendance was 886, but it appeared that about half that number actually came to the ballpark.  The Dirtbags travel to Northridge today to take on CSUN at 2:30. Then LBSU will face Texas Tech this weekend at Blair Field in a three-game series.		Sandler film no parking problem   Writer leaves audience rolling with laughter   Conference encourages students   More books available   Workshop saves time for students Tighten the Net   How much does a wife cost?   LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Student dances into show business   Suicide Machines rock fans at the Roxy   Great music saves Yahoo! Tour Gauchos cool 49ers   NBA's most eccentric player returns   Dirtbags not soiled Spring 2000 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
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