Score: UC San Diego 3, UC Davis 2
Location: Davis, Calif. (Dobbins Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 11-13 (5-6 Big West), UC San Diego 11-13 (7-1 Big West)

THE SHORT STORY: UC Davis dropped a narrow 3-2 decision to UC San Diego, falling short in a closely contested pitcher's duel. Despite the Aggies battling back early to tie the game at 2-2 behind RBI singles from Keenan Anzai and Korey Williams, a late eighth-inning run by the Tritons proved to be the difference maker to secure the victory.

LEADING OFF

• Tyler Howard served as an offensive catalyst for the Aggies, finishing 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two stolen bases.
• Korey Williams collected a multi-hit performance, going 2-for-3 with a crucial RBI single.
• Keenan Anzai also contributed to the offense, driving in a run with a 1-for-4 night at the plate.
• Elijah McNeal chipped in with a hit and a stolen base in his 1-for-4 outing.
• Noel Valdez delivered a strong start on the mound for UC Davis, striking out three over 5.2 innings of work while allowing just two earned runs.
• Rowen Barnes provided stellar relief work out of the bullpen, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings and striking out two batters.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• UC San Diego jumped ahead in the first inning with two runs on an RBI single and an RBI double, taking an early 2-0 lead.
• UC Davis answered immediately in the bottom of the first when Anzai delivered an RBI single through the left side to bring home Howard, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
• The Aggies tied the game in the third inning as Williams came through with a clutch RBI single through the right side to score Howard again, evening the score at 2-2.
• UC San Diego threatened to break the tie in the sixth, but second baseman Joey Wright flashed the leather to keep the Aggies in it. Wright ignited a crucial double play with a diving stop and later provided another key assist for reliever Peter Storjohann, preserving the 2-2 deadlock.
• The game remained deadlocked until the eighth inning, when UC San Diego managed to push across the go-ahead run on an RBI groundout, reclaiming a 3-2 advantage.
• UC Davis was unable to mount a late rally in the final two frames, ultimately falling short by a single run.

UP NEXT
UC Davis will look to bounce back and salvage the series finale tomorrow as the Aggies conclude their three-game home set against UC San Diego at Dobbins Stadium with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.