BERKELEY, Calif. — The Arizona Wildcats (15-13, 8-5) pitching held strong while the offense rallied for five runs over the final four innings to take a 5-3 extra-innings victory over the California Golden Bears (16-11, 5-8) in the Friday night series opener.
Arizona has now won five straight games, and five straight in Pac-12 Conference play as well.
Trailing 3-2 going into the bottom of the eighth, California rallied for the tying run and ultimately forced extra innings. Shortstop
Mason White led off the top of the 10th with a double to right field, moved to third on a sac fly from
Richie Morales, and came home on an RBI double roped to the wall in left center by Garen Cailfield.
Brendan Summerhill followed with a crucial RBI single to give the Cats some insurance heading into the bottom of the frame.
Starting pitcher
Jackson Kent was once again vital to the Wildcats winning efforts, going 6.0 innings and limiting the Golden Bears to just two runs on five hits. The southpaw struck out six and did not factor into the decision.
The relief combo of
Kyler Heyne,
Casey Hintz, and
Tony Pluta kept the Wildcats in striking distance and helped spark the rally. The trio of right-handers allowed just one run over the final four innings. Hintz (2-1) earned his second win of the year, while Pluta tossed the 10th and earned his first career save.
Arizona WildBATS
- CF Brendan Summerhill: 3-for-4, RBI, BB
- SS Mason White: 2-for-5, R, 2B
- 2B Garen Caulfield: 1-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB
- 3B Richie Morales: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
- 1B Tommy Splaine: 1-for-4, RBI
Bullpen Bullies
Number of the Night
- With Friday's win, Arizona's pitching staff has now limited Pac-12 opponents to four or fewer runs 10 times in 13 games.
Social Media Coverage
Next Up
Arizona goes for the road series win on Saturday afternoon at Stu Gordon Stadium. First pitch is slated for 2:05 p.m. MST.
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