Kendrena Settles Down, Pitches Northridge Past Arizona State

Pitcher Ken Kendrena and outfielder Greg Shockey sparked Cal State Northridge to a 5-1 victory over Arizona State in an opening-round game of the NCAA Division I Midwest Regional Friday in Wichita, Kan.

After giving up five hits in the first three innings, Kendrena (11-6) permitted only three more in his 13th complete-game effort of the season. The senior right-hander struck out 11, walked three and after the third inning allowed only one Sun Devil baserunner to reach second base.

Shockey’s one-out single after a walk to Greg Shepard started a string of four hits as the Matadors (38-14-1) erased a 1-0 deficit and took a 4-1 lead in the fourth inning.

Scott Mowl followed Shockey’s hit by looping an opposite-field single to left that scored Shepard and tied the score, 1-1.

Mike Solar singled home Shockey, who flattened Arizona State catcher Dave Robson at the plate. Andy Hodgins doubled home two runs for a 4-1 lead.

Mowl singled home Shepard in the fifth to complete the scoring.

The Sun Devils (32-23) left runners in scoring position in each of the first three innings.

Arizona State right-hander Jeff Matranga (10-7) gave up seven hits and struck out 11.

Northridge plays Oklahoma State today at 5 p.m. (PDT).

--MIKE HISERMAN