LONG BEACH, Calif. - The Highlanders took game two tonight at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field, 4-1 over Long Beach State. It was UCR's second straight conference series win and its fourth series win of the year. Like last night, it was solid starting pitching and timely hitting that improved the Highlanders' conference record to 7-10.

Matthew O'Brien got the start tonight for the Highlanders and even though he did not figure into the decision he had another quality start. The lefty went 5.1 innings and surrendered only one run. It came in the sixth when Smith Chandler grounded out scoring Matt Toomey. That was the only run Long Beach State would score. They had chances, but the Highlanders pitchers came up big. 

Halen Guerrero went the final 3.2 innings and earned his third win of the season. Like O'Brien, Guerrero struck out two en route to the win. 

The Dirtbags had chances late, but their rallies stalled.

UC Riverside trailed 1-0 heading into the top of the seventh when the Highlanders scored three runs. It all started when Jaxon Byrd led the inning off with a home run over the right field wall. Isaiah Hernandez knocked a one out single to left and Miles Scott's hustle play gave him an infield single and put two on. Then on a 2-1 pitch, Robert Pitts came up big doubling down the left field line driving in two and put the score at 3-1. 

In the ninth the Highlanders scored an insurance run when Jarrend Sanderson scored on a balk by Joey Iglesias. Iglesias allowed Sanderson to get to third on a failed pick off attempt to second. 

In the bottom of the ninth though Long Beach State had a chance. After a lead off walk to Kaiden Smaka, Guerrero balked and Smaka moved up to second. However, Guerrero settled down and retired the next three securing the win and the series for UC Riverside.

The series finale is set for tomorrow afternoon at 1PM and the game can be seen live on ESPN+.

  Read Full Article