SCORE: UC Davis 4, UC Riverside 2
LOCATION: Riverside, Calif. (The Plex)
RECORDS: UC Davis 6-7 (1-0 Big West), UC Riverside 3-11 (0-1 Big West)

THE SHORT STORY: UC Davis pulled off a 4-2 victory against UC Riverside on Friday afternoon, ignited by a critical three-run rally in the third inning, and a strong overall pitching performance from the staff. The early lead held strong despite a late push by the Highlanders in the sixth inning, allowing the Aggies to secure the team's first Big West Conference win of the season.

LEADING OFF

• Braydon Wooldridge paced the Aggie offense with a multi-hit performance, collecting two hits, including an RBI double and a run scored.
• Noel Valdez earned his first win of the season (1-1), delivering a quality start by tossing 6.0 innings, striking out five, and scattering eight hits without issuing a walk.
• Evan Gentil and Zach Story both contributed to the offensive attack with a hit and a run scored, with Gentil adding a double.
• Rowen Barnes slammed the door in the ninth inning, picking up his Big West-leading fourth save of the year while striking out one batter.
• Mason Lerma was excellent out of the bullpen, tossing 2.0 scoreless frames and striking out two to bridge the gap from Valdez to Barnes.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the top of the second inning, Zach Story sparked a rally and eventually scored on an RBI fielder's choice by Elijah McNeal, putting UC Davis ahead 1-0.
• The Aggies exploded for three runs in the top of the third inning. Tyler Howard singled and was quickly brought home by Wooldridge's RBI double down the right-field line.
• Wooldridge later scored on a wild pitch, and Ryan Lee capped the third-inning surge with an RBI single to center field to bring home Evan Gentil, extending the lead to 4-0.
• UC Riverside responded in the bottom of the sixth inning when Lucas Bonham launched a two-run homer down the left-field line, narrowing the gap to 4-2.
• Despite UC Riverside's attempt to rally, and ultimately bringing the tying run up to the plate, the UC Davis bullpen clamped down. Lerma and Barnes combined to allow just one hit and zero runs over the final three innings, securing the victory.

UP NEXT
The Aggies will look to secure the series victory as they continue their road trip with game two on Saturday. First pitch at The Plex is scheduled for 1 p.m.