RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The Highlanders dropped game three of their series with UCSB, 5-3. It was a tough loss to UCR, who had its chances late, but could not get the final runs across.

Getting the start for UCR was Matthew O'Brien. The southpaw threw four innings giving up six hits and one run. He took the loss and fell to 2-4 on the year.  O'Brien was lifted in the fifth for Kurt Marton, who pitched one inning and gave up two runs. Righty, Matt Hudson followed and pitched three innings giving up nothing to a potent Santa Barbara offense. Nolan Milliman finished the game throwing one inning and giving up two runs.

Offensively, the Highlanders were blanked through the first seven innings. They scored their first run on a walk to Robert Pitts, that was also a wild pitch, allowing Jacob Badawi to score. 

Trailing 5-1 in the bottom of the ninth UCR scored twice. Josh Torres scored on a passed ball and Pitts lined out to center scoring Ethan Bergan. They had a chance late, but could not get that key two out single to tie the game. 

It will be a quicker than usual turnaround for UCR as the Highlanders welcome UCSD for a three game set starting on Thursday.