DAVIS, Calif. - Zach Jacobs took advantage of his offensive support to earn his first win of the year on eight strong innings with four strikeouts and no walks as UC Riverside beat UC Davis on the road, 5-1, Friday afternoon to begin a four-game series.

Designated hitter Jacob Shanks took his hitting streak to eight games, as the redshirt sophomore batted third in the order and knocked in the first run of the game after Travis Bohall stole second base following his leadoff single. Shanks lined his first home run of the year down the left field line in the fourth inning, then scored again during the Highlanders' three-run sixth.

Jacobs was solid through his entire eight innings of work, scattering eight hits, and remained in the game to get out of a jam to end the eighth inning when the Aggies had runners on first and second with one out. The Highlanders held their composure to end the frame despite a wild pitch immediately after a meeting at the mound and an unsuccessful double play.

Freshman Eric Marrujo closed the ninth with two strikeouts as UC Riverside earned its fifth victory of the season (5-11). The Aggies drop to 5-19.

Head Coach Justin Johnson said, "What a great win by the guys! Jacobs really had an outstanding start, he gave us eight innings and a lot of opportunity, only giving up one run." He continued, "Super proud of our guys for executing, and not just Zach on the mound but our guys executing offensively. We had some clutch two out hits and scored three runs in that one inning which really helped us. They really did a great job today and we are excited for tomorrow. We have a full bullpen heading into the doubleheader!

The Highlanders return to action for game two of the series at UC Davis on Saturday at 12 p.m. PT. The game streams live on BigWest.TV.