SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - This weekend, the Gauchos return home to finish the Big West regular season with a series against Cal State Fullerton. The series will open with a doubleheader on Friday, May 1, with the first game starting at 12:00 pm. The final game of the series will be played Saturday, May 2, at 12:00 pm.
ABOUT LAST WEEK
Last weekend, the Gauchos played three games on the road against UC Davis. UC Santa Barbara opened the series with an 8-3 loss in game one, where Tehya Banks and Delaina Ma'ae both hit home runs to highlight the offense. In game two, Bella Fuentes sparked a late rally with a double in the seventh inning, and Giselle Mejia drove in the Gauchos' lone run, but UC Davis was able to hold on for a 2-1 win.
The Gauchos closed the weekend on a high note with a 3-0 shutout win in the finale. Ainsley Waddell and Malaya Johnson combined for nine strikeouts in the circle, while Ella Myers powered the offense with a home run and two RBIs.
UC Santa Barbara enters the final weekend of the regular season at 17-7 in Big West play, sitting third in the conference standings and looking to finish strong heading into postseason play.Â
SCOUTING THE TITANSÂ
Heading into the final series of the regular season, this will be a game to watch as Cal State Fullerton currently leads the Big West conference standings. The Titans have been a consistent matchup in the league, bringing a balanced approach on both offense and defense throughout the season.
Fullerton will look to pressure the Gauchos with disciplined at-bats and a pitching staff capable of keeping games close late. Fullerton currently leads the Big West in batting with a team average of .341. Their standout hitter is Junior Sarah Perez, batting an average of .447.
On the mound, they also lead the Big West with a 3.13 team ERA. Much of their pitching success is thanks to Trisha McCleskey, with an ERA of 2.69 and a 16-8 win-loss record. This past Monday, she was announced as the Big West Field Player and Pitcher of the Week.
FOLLOWING ALONG
All three games will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available. Friday's doubleheader will begin at 12:00 p.m., with Saturday's series finale also set for 12:00 p.m.
