DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis split the first Big West doubleheader of the 2024 season, dropping the series opener to Cal State Fullerton before rebounding for the 4-1 win over the Titans in game two.
The Aggies (10-11, 1-1 Big West) nearly completed an improbable comeback in the first game of the series after falling behind early, but the visitors held on for the 5-3 win. In game two,
Ashley Sawai dazzled in the circle, allowing just one run in her complete game victory, and UC Davis evened up the series.
Anna Dethlefson went a perfect 3-for-3 in the game two win, stealing two bases while scoring a run and driving one in.
Bella Pahulu enjoyed a three-hit day, going 3-for-5 over the two contests.
GAME 1 | Cal State Fullerton 5, UC Davis 3
The Titans flexed their muscles in the top of the first when they scored three runs on first hits to build an early lead. This chased starting pitcher
Kenedi Brown out of the game and
Sarah Reineman took over to start the second frame.
The bats went quite for the next two innings until Cal State Fullerton pushed another run across in the fourth to extend its lead. UC Davis answered with a run in the home half to bring the score to 4-1, but the visitors restored their four-run advantage by plating a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth.
After a scoreless sixth, the Aggies nearly pulled off the improbable come back in their final turn at the plate.
Bella Pahulu led things off with an infield hit before
Grace Kilday was hit by a pitch.
Marley Panziera followed with a sharp base hit through the left side and
Sophia Eftekhari kept the line moving with her walk with the bases loaded, bringing home a run. An RBI ground out from
Anna Dethlefson brought UC Davis within two, but with the tying run on second base, the Aggies could not capitalize, and the visitors escaped with the 5-3 win.
GAME 2 | UC Davis 4, Cal State Fullerton 1
Ashley Sawai was dominant from start to finish in the second game of the day. Her offense gave her some early runs when the Aggies rallied for four runs in the three opening frames. Polson singled home Dethlefson for the first run of the contest in the home half of the first. In the second frame, Pahulu smacked a base hit before
Grace Kilday roped a double down the left field line to double the team's lead. Dethlefson made it a three-run advantage with her second hit of the day, bring Kilday around to score.
UC Davis tacked on another run in the third inning when
Sarah Nakahara grounded a ball up the middle before Pahulu delivered another hit, making the score 4-0 after three.
Sawai continued to cruise until Cal State Fullerton tagged her for her only earned run of the game in the fifth inning. The freshman showed excellent composure, however, throwing two more scoreless innings to finish her complete game in the win column.
UP NEXT
The Ags will take on Cal State Fullerton in the series finale tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.
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