June 6, 2003

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STANFORD, Calif. (AP) -- Danny Putnam hit a three-run homer and John Hudgins threw a seven-hitter as Stanford beat Long Beach State 5-1 in the first game of a best-of-three series on Friday night at the Stanford Super Regional.

Hudgins (11-3), a third-round choice of the Texas Rangers, struck out six and walked two in completing his seventh game of the year.

Stanford (45-15) has won eight in a row and 17 of its last 18.

Putnam's home run, his 14th of the season, came against Neil Jamison in the eighth and broke open a pitcher's duel.

Alvarez (11-2), drafted in the second round by the Boston Red Sox earlier in the week, was nearly as effective. He struck out five and walked two in seven innings as the 49ers (41-19) had a four-game winning streak stopped.

Long Beach State, which couldn't advance a runner past second through the first five innings, broke through in the sixth. Todd Jennings, a second round draft choice of the San Francisco Giants, singled to open the inning, extending his hitting streak to 27 games, which tied a school record. Tim Hutting bunted him to second. With two outs, Jennings stole third.

John Hudgins (11-3), a third-round choice of the Texas Rangers, struck out six and walked two in completing his seventh game of the year.

Freshman Troy Tulowitzki then worked the count full, remaining alive when Cardinal first baseman Brian Hall apparently lost a foul ball in the lights. Tulowitzki drilled a double into the left field corner to drive in Jennings.

The Cardinal took the lead in the sixth. Sam Fuld coaxed a leadoff walk but was forced at second by Hall. Carlos Quentin, the Arizona Diamondbacks' first-round pick, followed with a single and Ryan Garko, the Cleveland Indians' third-round choice, hit an RBI single.

Donny Lucy's ground ball went under Tulowitzki's glove for an error, allowing Quentin to score.

Stanford had a chance to score in the fifth when Lucy and Danny Putnam each singled to open the inning. Alvarez induced ground balls from the next two batters, with 49er first baseman Mike Hofius throwing out Lucy at the plate on one play. Tobin Swope flew out to end the threat.

The series winner advances to the College World Series in Omaha beginning June 13. Stanford is seeking its fifth straight trip while the 49ers are looking for their first trip since 1998.