RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The Highlanders dropped game two tonight to Long Beach State, 6-3. UCR sent reigning Big West Conference Pitcher of the Week, Matthew O'Brien to the bump tonight hoping he could provide another strong outing. 

O'Brien surrendered all six runs and dropped to 4-5 on the year. He pitched 4.2 innings and battled. After Long Beach State plated three in the top of the first, O'Brien settled down and threw well. He gave up one run in the fourth and two in the fifth. That was all the Dirtbags needed.

UCR's Landon Nunes singled to left and drove in Diego Boardman. For Nunes that was his 13th RBI of the year. 

The Highlanders gained some momentum in the 8th inning when they pushed two more across, cutting the lead to 6-3. Manoah Chapman and David Whittle came up with RBI hits, but that was all UCR could get. The Long Beach State bullpen held on in the ninth to secure the win.

Up next is the series finale and senior day at The Plex. Game time is 1:00 p.m.