FULLERTON ? The Cal State Fullerton offense got an early jump on the UCSB pitching staff on Saturday night, earning a 10-2 victory to clinch the series after Friday’s 4-3 win.
UCSB starter Justin Jacome suffered the loss after allowing six earned runs over three innings pitched. It was the shortest start of the year for the freshman lefty, who failed to throw a quality start for just the second time in his last eight starts.
With the loss, UCSB fell to 17-16, 3-5. No. 4 Cal State Fullerton improved to 31-4, 8-0.
The Titans parlayed three straight hits to open the game into three runs, including the eventual game winner. Richy Pedroza led off with a base hit up the middle before Carlos Lopez followed up with a double. J.D. Davis then stroked an RBI single before Cal State Fullerton skied a pair of sacrifice flies to make the score 3-0.
The Gauchos answered back with a run in the top of the second when Robby Nesovic scored on a double play ball after doubling to lead off the inning to make the score 3-1.
From there, however, it was all Titans, as the home team scored six runs over the next four innings to push the score to 9-2.
Four Cal State Fullerton batters recorded multiple hits on the night, including Pedroza, Lopez, and Davis. Third baseman Matt Chapman also added a pair of hits, including a double and home run. Chad Wallach also homered for Fullerton.
Freshman lefty Domenic Mazza had a positive outing on the mound in relief, allowing just one run over 3 2/3 innings pitched. His only run came off a home run from Chapman, but otherwise he gave up just three hits while striking out three.
Sophomore second baseman Woody Woodward led the way with the bat for the Gauchos, going 2-4 with a home run ? his first of the year ? in the sixth inning. Cameron Newell and Tyler Kuresa added base hits for UCSB, with Newell extending his hitting streak to 12 games. Robby Nesovic had the only other base hit for the Gauchos with his second inning double.
Cal State Fullerton starter Justin Garza pushed his record to 7-0 after his seven inning, two run effort. Tyler Peitzmeier and David Birosak each added a scoreless inning of relief.
The Gauchos and Titans will wrap up their series on Sunday afternoon, with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m. Nesovic will take the ball for UCSB.
