Feb. 16, 2001
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- UC Santa Barbara (2-3) used two home runs by junior designated hitter Jed Stringham, part of an 18-hit Gaucho attack, to top visiting Santa Clara (1-7) 14-5 Friday afternoon at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.
Stringham hit a two-run home run in a five-run Gaucho first and later added a solo shot in the seventh. The big first inning put the Gauchos ahead for good, as they answered the two-spot the Broncos' had posted in the top of the inning. The homers were Stringham's fourth and fifth of the season in just 13 at-bats.
Leading the way offensively for Santa Clara were Joe Diefenderfer and Jimmy Wallace, who each recorded two hits for the Broncos. Sophomore Matt Travis took the loss on the mound for Santa Clara.
"Matt really hung in there gave us some good inings," said head Bronco coach Mike Cummins. "He didn't really force us to use up our bullpen too much so we have some pretty good depth for the rest of the weekend. As long as Matt can stay away from a big innings, he really does give us some solid innings as a starter. UCSB is a very good hitting ballclub and is very solid in the field. But, we should have hit the ball a little bit better tonight. We made their pitching look probably a little better than it actually was. But, you have to give them credit. They played well."
Rylie Ogle earned the win for the Gauchos. Making his second start of the season, Ogle allowed four runs (three earned) on seven Bronco hits in five and one third innings. Jeremy Sugarman came on in the sixth to close out the game and earn his first career save in the process. Sugarman surrendered just one hit and one unearned run in three and two thirds.
UCSB and Santa Clara will play Game 2 of their three-game set Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
