RIVERSIDE, Calif. - On Friday night, May 7, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Highlanders hosted the first of four games in this weekend's Big West Conference series against the Long Beach State University (LBSU) Dirtbags at the Riverside Sports Complex. 
 
In what began as a pitcher's duel, the Highlanders starting pitcher, Zach Jacobs, faced off against the Dirtbags starter, Johnathan Lavallee. Jacobs pitched seven innings, letting up eight hits and four runs while striking out three batters. 

The Highlanders' offense would only get two hits off against Lavallee, who threw a complete game shutout to earn the win for Long Beach State.
 
LBSU took the lead in the fourth inning with a single run. A Dirtbag runner got on base on balls and advanced to third after an LBSU double to left field. He headed home on a ground ball, putting the Dirtbags up 1-0.
 
In the seventh, Long Beach scored with an RBI single, extending their lead, 2-0.
 
Jacobs let in two runs in the eighth inning before being relieved by Shamus Lyons. Lyons pitched the final two innings, letting up no hits and striking out two Dirtbags.
 
Anthony Mata was responsible for both of UC Riverside's hits, singling in the second and the eighth inning, but unfortunately never finding home. The Dirtbags won with a final score of 4-0.
 
UCR returns tomorrow, May 8 for more action against Long Beach state in the form of a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 12 PM.