On Saturday Feb. 21, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) baseball team faced Wagner College for the second game in their three game series. After coming off a 8-5 win in their first game of the series, the Highlanders were hoping for another game in the win column.
The Wagner College Seahawks set the tone for the game in the top of the second inning after Dylan Simeone brought in Evan McRae scoring their second run of the inning.
However, the Highlanders were quick to respond in the bottom of the second. Senior Jaxon Byrd had an impressive homer to right field, bringing the Highlanders their first run of the inning and very quickly shifting the momentum of the game.
Although it didn’t stop there, after Byrd’s big swing the dugout erupted with energy. Lucas Bonham, hit a double and put himself in scoring position, just waiting for an opportunity to capitalize on it. David Gibbs followed with a bunt straight down the middle, allowing Bonham to advance to third base. Manoah Chapman was able to tie up the game after singling to left field and bringing in Bonham for another run, keeping the Highlanders alive in the fight. Robert Pitts was able to single to left field to bring in Gibbs for the third and final run of the inning.
The Highlanders began to settle in both offensively and defensively. On the mound, UCR limited Wagner’s production after the early innings, and prevented the Seahawks from any chance at refinding the lead.
As the game progressed into the middle innings, UCR continued to build the pressure at the plate. Byrd was a continuous contributor offensively, while Bonham and Chapman continued to find ways on base and move runners into scoring position.
Lucas Bonham batted 3/4, having two doubles and a single with one of those including an RBI. “Once you get like two or three hits across, it’s a really good feeling and I’m just happy that I get to pull through for my team,” Bonham said.
The Highlanders continued to score multiple runs across the later innings. Turning a lead of one into a lead of five. The combination of power hitting and ball execution is what kept the Seahawks at bay with only 2 runs.
In the top of the ninth, Nicholas Mazzotta grounded out into a double play to close out the 7-2 win for UCR. The Highlanders’ ability to respond early, control the middle innings and execute late allowed them to take the second game of the series.
The win not only clinched the series but showed the team’s resilience and competitiveness while facing early adversity. As they get ready to play Wagner College a final time on Sunday, Feb. 22, the Highlanders can’t help but hope for a sweep.
“It’s really hard to sweep teams, I’m sure Wagner is going to come out hot and so we just got to be ready to do the same thing,” commented Bonham.
As the Highlanders continue their season, Saturday’s performance highlights the depth, discipline, and ability to adjust. As conference play quickly approaches these qualities will be key for the Highlanders to continue to succeed.
Lucas Bonham added, “I think we have a good squad and I think we can really compete this year.”
Note: This article was written before the baseball game on Feb. 22 versus Wagner College.
