RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The University of California, Riverside (UCR) Baseball team hosted their first Big West home series of the season, kicking off the four-game set against California State University at Fullerton (CSF) with a single night game on Friday, March 26. 
 
Zach Jacobs took the mound for the Highlanders to start the series, initiating a pitcher's duel that would endure for most of the game. The Titans sent the first run home off a sacrifice fly to right field in the third inning.
 
Dylan Orick responded for the Highlanders with a homerun in the bottom of the fourth inning, tying the game, 1-1.
 
In the top of the sixth inning, a two-RBI single up the middle lifted the Titans ahead of the Highlanders, 3-1. Eric Marrujo relieved Jacobs on the bump after six strong innings with six strikeouts and no walks.
 
The Titans singled to get a runner in scoring position in the eighth inning with two outs and the next batter doubled to send in their fourth and final run of the game.
 
In the bottom of the eighth, UC Riverside battled for a comeback. Nate Webb hit a stand-up double to get on base. Taylor Juline pinch hit and got the job done, sending Webb home with a base hit to left field.
 
Juline advanced to second base on a balk, and Ari Gerber was placed as a pinch runner in hopes of tying the game. It wouldn't happen, as the Highlanders grounded out and the Titans got out of the inning.
 
Cal State Fullerton successfully held the Highlanders through the ninth, taking the first game in the four-game series with a 4-3 victory.
 
The two teams return tomorrow, March 27 at noon for a double header at the Riverside Sports Complex.