NORTHRIDGE – Freshman designated hitter Robby Nesovic continued his hot hitting and sophomore lefty Andrew Vasquez piled up eight strikeouts over a six inning start, but it was not enough to overcome CSUN right fielder Chester Pak’s two-home run day, as the Matadors claimed a 7-1 victory over UCSB in Sunday’s series finale at Matador Field.
The Gauchos, who have still won four straight series for the first time since 2001, fell to 27-21 with the loss, while Cal State Northridge improved to 31-20, 15-6.
Offense was sparse for both teams through the first five innings, as Pak’s third inning solo homer stood up as the only run until the sixth inning. In that sixth, CSUN first baseman Josh Goossen-Brown singled in Ryan Raslowsky.
UCSB would get its only run in the next half inning, when Nesovic sent the first pitch of the inning over the fence in dead center to make the score 2-1. It was his fourth home run overall, and his third in the last three weekends.
That would be as close as the Gauchos would get however, as Pak would knock out Vasquez, the UCSB starter, in the bottom half of the frame with his second home run of the day.
On the other side, CSUN starter John Salas was sensational, allowing five hits and just the single run while throwing a complete game. He improved to 4-5 on the year after receiving the win.
The Matadors offense did not relent when the UCSB bullpen entered the fray, scoring an additional three runs over the final two innings.
Vasquez would get hung with the loss on the day, falling to 1-3 on the year. However, his eight punchouts were the most by a Gaucho in a single appearance this season. He ended the day with a final line of six-plus innings pitched, four runs allowed, four hits allowed, and three walks.
Second baseman Woody Woodward and catcher Jackson Morrow chipped in doubles for UCSB.
The Gauchos will get right back into action, as they welcome the Washington State Cougars to Caesar Uyesaka Stadium on Monday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Tomorrow’s matchup is the start of a busy week for the Gauchos, as they will play another midweek game at Loyola Marymount on Wednesday before hosting Pacific in a Big West series over the weekend.
