SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (April 28, 2023) – The UC Santa Barbara Softball team (24-17, 11-9 Big West) were back in action at Campus Diamond for the first two games of this Big West series with the UC Davis Aggies. Following the two games, the Gauchos came out with a 1-1 record on the day.   

GAME 1: Gauchos 4, Aggies 5
The first game of the day started in favor of the Aggies as they were the first team to put a run on the board. However, it didn't last for long. The Gauchos scored three runs in the third inning followed by another run in the fourth to put them up 4-1 in the first half of this game. UC Davis wasn't ready to go down without a fight, adding on three runs in the fifth. Despite the Gauchos' best efforts, they were not able to score in the final two innings, resulting in a 5-4 loss for UC Santa Barbara in the first game of the double header.

Four different Gauchos put the runs on the scoreboard, and they were Madelyn McNally, Ashley Donaldson, Alexa Sams and Sam Denehy. Even though she didn't score a run, Jazzy Santos brought two of those runners across home plate, recording two RBIs in this game, while Daryn Siegel and Korie Thomas each brought home a run as well. Cam Snyder was the only Gaucho to pitch in this game, striking out five Aggies along the way. 

GAME 2: Gauchos 12, Aggies 5
The second game started as the first, with the Aggies taking the lead. Over the first two innings, UC Davis put up five runs compared to the Gauchos' two as the Aggies kept the commanding lead. However, UC Santa Barbara went off in the fifth inning, The Gauchos scored 10 runs, causing the Aggies to go through four pitchers in the process. With such a strong performance, UC Santa Barbara finished out the game on top, winning the second game 12-5.

Korie Thomas scored the most runs for the Gauchos in this game with three as McNally was close behind her with two. Along with those two, the Gauchos brought Sams, Donaldson, Santos, Sam Denehy, Lauren Lewis and Mya Quick across home plate. McNally also brought the most runs home with four while Siegel added three RBIs with her triple to right field. Malaya Johnson pitched most of the game for the Gauchos, not allowing any runs while striking out a batter along the way.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will play the final game of this series against the Aggies tomorrow, April 29, at 1 p.m. at Campus Diamond. A live stream will be available through ESPN+ and live stats through ucsbgauchos.com.