Riverside, Calif. – UC Riverside (12-10, 2-0) made it two straight wins to open its 2018 Big West slate Friday night, defeating UC Davis (6-15, 0-2) 6-2 behind yet another home run from sophomore Connor Cannon.

While both teams matched each other with six hits, Cannon's three-run shot into the left field net in the bottom of the third put the Highlanders up 5-1, giving them the separation they needed.

From there, the pitching combination of freshman Cole Percival (4-1) and senior Jared Morton would put things to bed. Percival picked up his third straight win dating back to Mar. 11, while Morton notched his team-leading fifth save of the year, good for third in the Big West.

After stepping onto the mound to open the sixth, Morton went on to pitch a perfect three innings, retiring all nine batters he faced. UCR's closer has given up just one run all year, making it six wins for the Highlanders in his last six appearances.

The Highlanders have now won three home games in a row, improving to 7-1 at The Plex since Mar. 6.

UC Riverside jumped out to a quick lead, as a leadoff double by Justin Mannens would eventually turn into a groundout RBI for Dean Miller. That was one of two RBI on the night for Miller, who now has 14 on the year, behind only Cannon's 22.

An unearned Aggie run in the top of the second would tie things at 1-1. Junior catcher Tony Gudino put the Highlanders back up, opening the inning with a double to right center before scoring on a sac fly by junior Matt Hardy.

Leading 2-1 in the bottom of the third, a Nathan Webb single and a walk for Miller would set the table for Cannon, who stepped up with two outs on the board. Cannon made it look easy as he blasted a homer for the third straight game, giving him five for the year.

Prior to this three-game run, the sophomore had never homered in consecutive games. Cannon now has eight RBI through two games this weekend – three more than anyone else in the Big West.

This marks the third time ever that UC Riverside has opened Big West play 2-0. 2016 was the last year the Highlanders did it, also coming against the Aggies, before dropping game three. Their only opening-weekend sweep came over UC Irvine in 2013.

Saturday's series-finale between the Highlanders and Aggies is set to begin at 1:00 p.m.