TUCSON, Ariz. — A perfectly located curveball from Randy Abshier punctuated a dramatic 4-3 victory for the Arizona Wildcats (21-8, 7-4) over the visiting California Golden Bears (16-13, 4-4) on Saturday night. The win secured a series victory for Arizona, marking their first home series win over Cal since 2013.

Abshier entered in the top of the ninth with a one-run lead, two runners on base, and one out. After the defense nearly turned a game-ending double play behind him on the first batter he proceeded to catch Cal's Nathan Manning looking to end the game. The final breaking ball strike locked in Abshier's second career save and first since 2019.

The Arizona offense was kept off the scoreboard for the first three innings, but finally broke through for a three-run bottom of the fourth to take a 3-2 lead. The Wildcats scored again on a Cal error in the fifth and held on for the win.

Starting pitcher Garrett Irvin (2-1) earned the win after logging 6.0 innings and allowing just two runs. He spotted Cal five hits and three walks but also picked up six strikeouts in the quality start.

Arizona WildBATS

• RF Ryan Holgate: 3-for-4, R, 2 2B
• C Daniel Susac: 1-for-3, R, RBI, BB
• LF Mac Bingham: 1-for-4, 2B, RBI
• 2B Kobe Kato: 2-for-4, R

Bullpen Bullies

• LHP Riley Cooper: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
• RHP Vince Vannelle: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K
• LHP Randy Abshier: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K, Save

Number of the Night

• With Saturday night's win, the Wildcats secured their third-straight Pac-12 series victory after previously taking down Oregon and Arizona State.

Photo of the Night

Tweet of the Day

FIRE US UP @rabshier99!! Perfect 3-2 curve for the winner ?? Career-defining moment. #BearDown pic.twitter.com/96gQuKyvem

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) April 11, 2021

Up Next

The Wildcats play for a series sweep on Sunday afternoon at Hi Corbett Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. MST.