Score: California 7, UC Davis 2
Location: Davis, Calif. (Dobbins Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 3-5, California 5-3
THE SHORT STORY: UC Davis battled back from an early deficit with a game-tying home run from Evan Gentil in the fourth inning, but California used a late offensive surge to pull away for a 7-2 victory on Wednesday night at Dobbins Stadium. Despite a strong effort from the bullpen, the Aggies created late traffic on the basepaths but struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities against the Golden Bears.
LEADING OFF
- Evan Gentil provided the offensive highlight for the Aggies, blasting a game-tying, two-run home run in the fourth inning for his first long ball of the season.
- Tyler Howard continued to be a steady presence on the basepaths, drawing a walk and scoring a run to set up the Aggies' scoring frame.
- Zach Story also added a hit for UC Davis, finishing the day going 1-for-4.
- Taylor Werth delivered a strong outing out of the bullpen, tossing two scoreless, hitless innings while striking out three California batters.
- Peter Storjohann also provided a strong relief appearance, striking out two batters in a flawless, hitless inning of work.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- California struck first in the top of the second inning, pushing a run across on a double-play groundout to take a 1-0 lead.
- The Golden Bears extended their advantage in the third inning with an RBI single to make it 2-0.
- UC Davis answered back in a big way in the bottom of the fourth. After Howard drew a walk, Gentil launched a two-run homer over the left field wall to tie the game at 2-2.
- California reclaimed the momentum in the sixth inning, breaking the tie with a crucial two-run home run to take a 4-2 edge.
- The Golden Bears added an insurance run in the seventh inning via an RBI single to stretch the lead to 5-2.
- In the bottom of the seventh, the Aggies loaded the bases and threatened to ignite a massive rally, but California's bullpen managed to navigate the jam and leave the runners stranded.
- California tacked on two final runs in the ninth inning behind a pair of doubles and an RBI single, sealing the 7-2 result.
UP NEXT
UC Davis will look to bounce back when it hosts Nevada for a three-game series beginning on Friday, Feb. 27. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Davis, Calif.
