Score: Santa Clara 5, UC Davis 2
Location: Santa Clara, Calif. (Stephen Schott Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 1-4, Santa Clara 4-2
THE SHORT STORY: Despite a strong start from senior Noel Valdez and a patient offensive approach that generated seven walks, UC Davis struggled to capitalize with runners on base, falling 5-2 to Santa Clara in the series opener on Friday night. The Aggies tied the game in the fourth inning but ultimately left 10 men stranded as the Broncos pulled away in the later frames.
LEADING OFF
- Noel Valdez delivered a solid performance on the mound to start the game. The right-hander threw 5.0 innings, striking out six while allowing just two earned runs on four hits.
- Jaxon Murphy provided the offensive highlight for the Aggies, going 1-for-3 and driving in both UC Davis runs with a double.
- The Aggie pitching staff combined to strike out nine Santa Clara batters while inducing six groundouts and seven flyouts.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Santa Clara jumped out to a 2-0 advantage in the third inning.
- The Aggies answered back in the top of the fourth inning. After putting runners on base, Jaxon Murphy laced a two-run double to erase the deficit and tie the game at 2-2.
- The Broncos responded shortly after, breaking the tie and eventually pushing three runs across over the remaining five innings to take a 5-2 lead.
- UC Davis continued to create traffic on the basepaths late in the game, drawing free passes and forcing high-leverage situations.
- UC Davis threatened in the top of the ninth, drawing back-to-back walks from Murphy and Korey Williams to bring the tying run to the plate. The Broncos ultimately escaped late, surviving a hard-hit liner from Brayden Wooldridge that was just inches away from igniting the late rally. Santa Clara's bullpen then managed to navigate the rest of the jam, stranding the runners to secure the victory.
UP NEXT
UC Davis will look to even the series in Game 2 against Santa Clara on Saturday, Feb. 21 with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. PT.
