DAVIS, Calif. -- Though they had plenty of opportunities, UC Davis struggled to cash them in, leaving 12 Aggies on base in a 8-5 setback at the hands of Cal Poly on Saturday, April 13 in Davis, Calif.
Freshman Jake Spillane took his first loss for UC Davis, which dropped his record to 1-1. Junior Bobby Ay picked up the win for Cal Poly, improving to 4-0 on the season. The Aggies defeat puts their 2019 record at 10-17, 3-5 in the Big West. With the victory, Cal Poly improves to 15-17 this year, 6-2 in conference play.
Spillane made the start for UC Davis. The southpaw went 4.2 innings, giving up five runs, all of them earned, on nine hits. The Aggies then went to the bullpen, relieving Spillane with junior Andres Lara, who threw 1.1 innings, giving up two runs and three hits. Junior Wyatt Tucker finished the game for UC Davis, going the final three innings while allowing one run on three hits, walking none, and striking out two.
UC Davis pitchers as a group allowed the eight Cal Poly runs, six earned, on 15 hits, walking four and fanning two.
Sophomore Tanner Murray led the way offensively for UC Davis, going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI along with a walk. Junior Alejandro Lara compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. Senior Caleb Van Blake also contributed for UC Davis, going 2-for-5 with an RBI. Cal Poly's offense was led by junior Jack Kuzma, who went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI on the day.
Collectively, UC Davis scored five runs, but left opportunities on the board, stranding 12 over the course of the game. Those five runs came on 13 hits, two of which went for extra bases. The Aggies improved on their attack by drawing four free passes from Cal Poly pitchers.
UC Davis and Cal Poly return to Phil Swimley Field tomorrow (Apr. 14) for the series finale with first pitch set for 1 p.m. PT.
ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley. The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.
AGGIE EVO
Established during the 2017-18 academic year, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation. Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis. Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.
