Score: UC Davis 3, Nevada 1
Winning Pitcher: Ned Frutchey (1-1)
Save: Carter Speights (1)
Losing Pitcher: Jayce Dobie (1-2)
Location:Â Davis, Calif.
Records: UC Davis 12-10 (3-3), Nevada 14-10 (3-3)
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The short story: UC Davis returned to the win column with a 3-1 victory over Nevada on Wednesday, powered by a season-high 15 strikeouts from its pitching staff. Starter
Ned Frutchey led the charge with nine strikeouts over five scoreless innings, while four relievers combined to preserve the lead in a brisk and windy midweek contest at Dobbins Stadium.
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FIRST PITCH
- Frutchey delivered a masterful performance, surrendering just one hit and issuing zero walks while fanning nine across five scoreless frames
- UC Davis pitchers excelled at limiting free bases, allowing only one walk—a contrast to Nevada, who in total issued one walk, hit three batters, and had six wild pitches
- Carter Speights sealed the win with a dominant three-strikeout, one-hit inning to earn his first save of the season
- Jason Hanson, making his first career start at third base for UC Davis, went a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI
- The Aggies' 15 strikeouts marked their highest total since Feb. 25, 2023, when they punched out 14 against Santa Clara
- UC Davis out-hit Nevada 8-5, with key contributions up and down the lineup
- Nevada freshman Nate Snakenborg provided the Wolf Pack's lone run, launching a towering solo homer to left
- Wolf Pack starter Jayce Dobie took the loss, allowing two runs over four innings
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HOW IT HAPPENED
- The tone was set early when second baseman Ryan Lee made a spectacular sliding stop up the middle, popping up to gun down Nevada's leadoff hitter—a play that set the stage for the Aggies' defensive efforts all night
- Pitching and defense dictated the low-scoring affair, with UC Davis breaking through first in the second inning and never giving up that lead
- The Aggies plated two runs in the frame, highlighted by Zach Story's RBI double, which was preceded by Hanson's infield pop-up single, which dropped between the first and second baseman
- After four scoreless innings, Nevada threatened in the seventh, putting runners on first and second with two out
- Center fielder Tyler Howard had other plans though, preserving the shutout with a game-saving, full-extension grab deep in the left-center gap
- Riding that momentum, the Aggies added insurance in the bottom half when Alex Gouveia raced home on a wild pitch, extending the lead to 3-0
- Snakenborg's eighth-inning homer spoiled the shutout, but UC Davis' pitching staff slammed the door to secure the 3-1 win
UP NEXT: The Aggies look to carry their momentum into a pivotal Big West series, hosting first-place Cal Poly for a three-game set beginning Friday, March 27, at Phil Swimley Field at Dobbins Stadium. Action for Friday's opener will be streamed on ESPN+ with Greg Wong and Bob Dunning on the call.
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