Freshman Shelby Wisdom’s two-run homer at the bottom of the fifth inning propelled UC Santa Barbara (4-10) to a 3-2 victory over Nevada (3-9) on Friday, the second day of the Gaucho Classic I at Campus Diamond.
The win marks the third straight for the Gauchos and improves their home record to 3-0 on the young season.
Trailing 2-1 at the bottom of the fifth inning, Jessica Soria drew a walk and was able to advance to second on a passed ball. McKenzie Kane then grounded out to the pitcher, advancing the runner to third with just one out. Wisdom followed with a shot that soared over the left field fence, giving the Gauchos a one-run lead.
UCSB had struck first in the second inning when it loaded the bases on a trio of hits. With one out, Kathryn Pilpil connected with a base hit up the middle, which was followed by a double by Lauren Boser hit to center field. With runners in scoring position, Lainey DePompa hit an infield single. The Wolfpack got their second out at home when Brooke Putich hit into a fielder’s choice. During the next at bat, Soria hit a high infield chopper to score Boser and put the Gauchos up, 1-0.
Nevada battled back at the bottom of the same inning. Chelsea Barill led off with a perfectly executed bunt single and one out later, Caylin Campbell had a base hit to the right side. Pilpil was able to stop the ball with a diving catch to limit Campbell to a single. A base hit to left field from Lauren Lastrapes scored the tying run before pitcher Andriana Collins struck out the next two batters.
A one-out solo homer by Sara Parsons at the top of fourth inning gave Nevada a momentary 2-1 advantage.
Collins (2-6) picked up her second consecutive win after tossing a complete game against the Wolfpack. She allowed just two runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out five.
At the plate, Boser and DePompa each went 2-for-3. Soria was 1-for-2 with a run and an RBI.
UCSB will continue action at the Gaucho Classic I on Saturday when it hosts UNLV at 8:15 am at Campus Diamond.
