IRVINE, Calif. — Rivals UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton split the first two games of their Big West conference series during Saturday’s doubleheader at Anteater Ballpark.
UC Irvine (18-13, 4-4) won the first game 4-1 thanks to an outstanding performance from sophomore starting pitcher Andrew Thurman (3-2). He pitched eight hitless innings before Austin Kingsolver broke up the no-hitter with an infield single on a chopper up the middle.
The Titans threatened in the ninth inning after a pair of walks loaded the bases, but Race Parmenter closed out the game, inducing a pair of ground balls for a double play and the final out.
Tommy Reyes had a big RBI single and Kris Paulino also drove in a run for the Anteaters.
After only one hit in the first game, Cal State Fullerton came out with their bats on fire in the second matchup. The Titans pounded 18 hits and ransacked the ‘Eaters 13-2. Fullerton chased Irvine starter Crosby Slaught (3-3) in a seven-run second inning. On the other side, Kenny Mathews really picked up the Titans. He allowed only two runs on six hits in seven strong innings. He didn’t walk a batter while striking out seven.
Cal State Fullerton had six batters record multiple-hit performances in the second game. Clay Williamson, in only his second career start, led the way with a pair of hits, including a bases-clearing triple in the second inning. Michael Lorenzen and Matt Chapman also had three RBI.
In between games, Thurman talked to the media and we chatted with both head coaches following the nightcap.
Thurman discussed the only hit Fullerton was able to get off of him and why he’s pitched well against the Titans in his young career:
Fullerton head coach Rick Vanderhook talked about switching up the lineup and how simple the adjustments were that his team needed to make in between games. Vanderhook also raves about the job freshmen Matt Chapman and Kenny Mathews have done:
UC Irvine head coach Mike Gillespie talked about the extra enthusiasm that this rivalry brings and how his team had a letdown after the big series-opening win. Gillespie also discussed the performance of Thurman in the opener and after the split, just how “critical” Sunday’s rubber match is for the ‘Eaters:
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