SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The Highlanders continued Big West play Saturday with a doubleheader against Cal Poly at Bob Janssen Field. The Highlanders were limited offensively in the opener before rallying late in the second game, but ultimately dropped both contests.
GAME ONE: Cal Poly 6, UC Riverside 0
UC Riverside was held scoreless in the first game of the day, falling 6-0 to Cal Poly.
The Highlanders threatened early in the second inning when Kayla Penor doubled to left-center and moved to third on a flyout, but Cal Poly worked out of the jam to keep the game scoreless. Trinity Munoz added a bunt single in the third, and UC Riverside also drew four walks, but the Highlanders were unable to break through.
Cal Poly took a 1-0 lead in the third inning before adding three runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth. Maddy Bermudez led the Mustangs with three hits and an RBI, while Maya Venegas finished with three hits and two RBIs.
Penor and Munoz accounted for UC Riverside's two hits. Emory Cheng (3-7) took the loss after allowing four runs, two earned, over 4.0 innings. Alina Ortiz and Lauren Mendez also saw time in the circle for the Highlanders.
GAME TWO: Cal Poly 7, UC Riverside 2
UC Riverside answered with a late push in the second game, but Cal Poly held on for a 7-2 win.
The Highlanders put runners on early, getting a leadoff double from Leilani Juan in the first inning and singles from Mariana Palazuelos and Hailey King in the second, but Cal Poly broke through with a five-run third inning and added two more in the fourth.
UC Riverside broke through in the seventh. King drew a walk and Gabriella Garcia reached on an error before Trendee Kahunahana ripped a two-run double to left field to score both runners. Kahunahana finished with two RBIs, while Juan and McElroy each added a hit.
The Highlanders collected eight hits in the nightcap, with Marx, Cabezas, Juan, Palazuelos, King, Kahunahana, McElroy and Lauti each recording one. Lauren Mendez started in the circle, and Bree Barner (0-5) took the loss in relief.
The Highlanders close the series against Cal Poly tomorrow in San Luis Obispo tomorrrow, Sunday, March 29th with first pitch set for 1:00pm.
