Box Score LONG BEACH, Calif. (May 14, 2023) - The UC Santa Barbara Baseball team (32-16, 16-8 Big West) dropped the series finale against Long Beach State (28-21, 12-12 Big West). The Gauchos were unable to find a timely hit and fell 7-3 in the rubber match.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UC Santa Barbara picked up right where they left off in game two. The Gauchos plated two runs in the top of the first. After two quick outs, the Gauchos went to work and got two runners on with free passes. Broc Mortensen was hit by a pitch before Ivan Brethowr drew a five-pitch walk. Zander Darby delivered a two-out RBI to open up the scoring before John Newman, Jr. singled through the right side to bring the second run of the inning in.
Long Beach State would get a run back in the second inning with an RBI single, but JD Callahan was able to limit the damage and keep UC Santa Barbara on top. The Dirtbags would take the lead in the ensuing inning after a three-run home run would give them a 4-2 lead.
Santa Barbara threatened in the top of the fourth inning as they loaded the bases with one out with two walks and a single of the bat of LeTrey McCollum. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity and did not scratch a run across to cut into the lead.
Long Beach added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth on three straight singles that brought home a run and the Dirtbags now led 5-2.
UC Santa Barbara would again threaten in the sixth getting the first two batters of the inning on base. The Gaucho offense proceeded to fly out three straight times to end the inning not being able to push a run across.
Long Beach added to their lead in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run home run.
The eighth inning saw the Gauchos inch closer with an RBI single by Justin Trimble cutting into the LBSU lead 7-3.
UC Santa Barbara again had an opportunity to score in the ninth loading the bases with two outs. Unfortunately, the Gauchos were unable to get a two-out hit to extend the inning and fell 7-3 in the series rubber match.
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
- After using just four pitchers over the first two games of the series, UC Santa Barbara utilized five in the series finale.
- Zander Darby recorded his 16th multi-hit game of the season going 2-for-4 on the afternoon.
- UC Santa Barbara could not find a timely hit as the Gauchos went 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position leaving 12 runners on base.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos will have a quick turnaround as they host California Baptist tomorrow, Monday, May 15 at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available through ucsbgauchos.com.
