Cal Bests USF In Series Opener, 4-2
BERKELEY – California earned a 4-2 victory over San Francisco behind a Dylan Beavers home run and a collective effort from six Golden Bear pitchers Thursday at Evans Diamond.
Despite being out-hit 9-3, the Bears (2-3) found a way to tally their second series-opening win in as many weeks and snapped a three-game skid. Cal rode a handful of stout relief outings to the win, including two scoreless frames from winning pitcher Vaughn Mauterer and a hitless ninth inning by Steven Zobac, who notched the save.
Cal never trailed as Beavers smacked a two-run long ball – his third of the season – in the bottom of the first inning. After USF (2-2) cut the lead in half with a sacrifice fly in the top of the third, the Bears punched right back with an RBI single from Nathan Martorella, followed by a sacrifice fly from Beavers.
The four runs of support proved to be enough for a Cal staff that limited USF to just 3-for-21 hitting with runners on base. Jack Wolger made his second career start, allowing one run on four hits over two innings. Mitchell Scott ate up 2.2 innings of relief following Wolger, while Connor Oswalt – making his season debut – and Joe Ammirato also saw action.
Cole Elvis threw out two Dons on the base paths, including one in a critical eighth-inning moment. USF put runners on the corners, including the tying run at first, before Elvis ended the frame by throwing out Ryan Davis as he attempted to steal second.
Quentin Selma drew three walks and scored twice while Darren Baker scored once. Baker has scored in each game this season and leads Cal with seven total runs.
UP NEXT
The four-game series between Bay Area foes continues with game two at 5 p.m. PT Friday at Evans Diamond.
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