TUCSON, Ariz. – Nathan Bannister (1-0) and Bobby Dalbec combined to throw nine innings of shutout ball while allowing just five base runners and four hits in Arizona's (5-3) 2-0 victory over No. 16 Cal State Fullerton (4-3).
Bannister got the start in the home opener and was superb as he collected his first win of the season while allowing just three base runners. The senior tossed 6.2 innings and allowed just two hits with no walks and struck out four. Between the third and sixth innings, Bannister had retired 12 in a row and had also retired 18 of the first 20 batters he faced.
Dalbec came into the game in the top of the seventh with two outs and immediately got Chris Hudgins to ground out to first. The two-way player would then earn his first save of the season after allowing just two base runners in the eighth and ninth innings combined, preserving the 2-0 lead.
The Wildcats were only able to put two runs on the board with seven hits, but that was more than enough for Bannister and Dalbec.
Once again, Arizona got on the board first in the bottom of the second inning after JJ Matijevic extended his hitting streak to six games with a shot to left center that hit the wall. Matijevic would settle for a triple and Dalbec followed it up with a single to left field, bringing Matijevic home. After singles by Justin Behnke and Louis Boyd, Cesar Salazar drove in Dalbec on a sacrifice fly to left field.
Arizona struggled to put anybody on the bases after the second inning as just three Wildcats reached base. Boyd led the way for Arizona in the hit department as he went 2-3 on the night.
Arizona is back in action this Friday as they are set to host the Wildcat Invitational. Northwestern State, CSU Bakersfield and St. Mary's will be in town with Arizona taking on Northwestern State on Friday at 6 p.m. MST.
Game Notes
This is the first time that Nathan Bannister allowed no runs while throwing 6+ innings. It is also the first time that he allowed fewer than three hits while throwing 6+ innings.
Bannister has walked just one batter in his 17.1 innings pitched this season.
Bobby Dalbec has factored into every decision in which he has made an appearance on the mound (2-1 with one save).
JJ Matijevic extended his hitting streak to six games.
Ryan Aguilar and Zach Gibbons extended their on base streak to eight games tonight. Gibbons also extended his hitting streak to five games.
The last time Arizona shutout the opponent on the home opener was back on Feb. 15 of 2013 in a 16-0 victory over Coppin State. Konner Wade and Nick Cunningham were the Arizona pitchers that night.
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