SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – After battling through five innings yesterday, Malaya Johnson came out a twirled a complete-game shutout, allowing just one hit against the Aggies. Johnson's gem propelled UC Santa Barbara (26-20, 15-7 Big West) back in the win column.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
In the first inning, UC Santa Barbara's offense began with Jazzy Santos singling to second base. Santos advanced to third on a fly out by Tehya Banks, but the Gauchos were unable to bring her home, leaving the inning scoreless. UC Davis also had a runner reach third base but did not score, ending the inning tied at 0–0.
 
The second inning saw Bella Fuentes of UC Santa Barbara reach base with a single up the middle. Although Fuentes advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Alexa Sams, the team was unable to capitalize, leaving one runner on base. The Aggies were retired in order, keeping the game scoreless through two innings.
 
In the sixth inning, UC Santa Barbara broke the scoreless tie. Ainsley Waddell walked and was replaced by pinch-runner Kaylin Garcia, who advanced to third after a double by Banks. Fuentes then singled to right field, driving in Banks for the only run of the game. The Aggies was unable to respond in their half of the inning.
 
The game concluded with UC Santa Barbara maintaining their defensive stand, retiring the Aggies in order in the seventh inning. The Gauchos secured a 1–0 victory, with the only run scored in the sixth inning proving decisive. UC Santa Barbara recorded seven hits and left eight runners on base.
 
After pitching around a jam in the first inning, Malaya Johnson faced the minimum the rest of the game. Over the final six frames, she allowed just one base runner over the final 18 outs. No Aggie runner reached second base after the first inning of play.
 
UP NEXT
The Gauchos wrap up their series against the Aggies tomorrow, April 27, with a doubleheader. Game one of the doubleheader will begin at 11 a.m., with the second game following 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with live stats available.