IRVINE, Calif. -- Freshman Jalen Smith and company brought the Aggies within three runs of UC Irvine, but UC Davis ultimately lost by the score of 5-2 on Saturday, May 18.
Senior Blake Hannah took his fourth loss for UC Davis, which dropped his record to 3-4. Sophomore Trenton Denholm earned the win for UC Irvine, improving to 9-3 on the season. The Aggies defeat puts their 2019 record at 19-28, 9-14 in the Big West. With the victory, UC Irvine improves to 33-16 this year, 14-6 in conference play.
Hannah made the start for UC Davis. The lefty went five innings, giving up three runs, all of them earned, on eight hits, with one walk and three strikeouts. The Aggies then went to the bullpen, relieving Hannah with sophomore Tim Wieser, who threw 1.2 innings, giving up two runs and two hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Junior Chase Lyford finished the game for UC Davis, going the final 1.1 innings without allowing a run while giving up one hit, walking none, and striking out two.
In total, UC Davis pitchers gave up the five UC Irvine runs, all earned, on 11 hits, walking two and fanning seven.
Smith led the way offensively for UC Davis, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Junior Cooper Morrison furnished a noteworthy effort as well, going 1-for-4 with a double. Junior Alejandro Lara also helped out for UC Davis, going 1-for-3 with an RBI. UC Irvine's offense was led by sophomore Jake Palmer, who went 3-for-5 with a double on the day.
All told, UC Davis scored their two runs on five hits, one of which went for extra bases. The Aggies didn't get any extra help from UC Irvine pitchers either, as they didn't draw a walk.
The Aggies and the Anteaters return to Cicerone Field for the series finale tomorrow (May 19) at 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.
