UW Bounces Back For 4-1 Win And Series Victory Over Cal

Sunday, April 30

Seattle, Wash.

1:05 PM

University of Washington

24-17, 0

California

20-21, 0

California

Washington

April 30, 2017 | Baseball

Box Score Box: UW 4, Cal 1

By: Brian Tom

SEATTLE – Levi Jordan drove in two runs and scored another to provide all the offensive support Joe DeMers would need as he limited offensive-minded California to one run in UW's 4-1 win Sunday at Husky Ballpark.

The Huskies (24-17, 10-8 Pac-12) had only four hits on the day, but each of them played a vital role as Washington was able to take two-of-three games against the visiting Bears (20-21, 12-9).

"On Sunday, it is whatever it takes and however you can do it (mentality)," Coach Lindsay Meggs said. "We only got four hits, but we pitched like crazy and played the same defense we've been playing all year (the Huskies turned three double plays), so I think it's a great win for us. I'm happy for the guys."

DeMers had trouble finding home plate umpire Carl Coles' strike zone in the early going and had equaled a career-high four walks through the first two innings. One of those walks to No. 8 hitter Korey Lee came around to score on a passed ball in the second inning to give the Bears their only run of the game and a quick 1-0 lead.

Washington wasted little time to erase Cal's advantage, responding in its half of the second to score twice and take a 2-1 lead that they would never relinquish. Third baseman Willie MacIver singled off Cal starter Matt Ladrech (2-1) to start the inning and later, with the bases loaded, designated hitter Josh Cushing singled one run home to tie the score. With two outs and the bases still loaded, Jordan walked to force in the second run.

Jordan drove home the Huskies' third run of the game in the fourth inning on a perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt that gave his team a 3-1 lead. With a 2-2 count, Cushing broke from third and Jordan laid down a well-placed bunt for his second RBI of the game.

Meanwhile, DeMers settled down on the hill for the Huskies and gave his team 6 2/3 innings. He allowed seven hits and did not allow a walk after the four he gave up in the first two innings. He also struck out three batters and improved to 5-3 on the season.

"I just battled," DeMers described of his effort on the hill. "I didn't give in. I didn't have my best stuff today, but I was just trying to get our guys going and get some innings in."

DeMers left the game with two outs in the seventh inning and runners on the corners, handing the ball over to Leo Nierenberg. The freshman got the Pac-12's leading home run hitter Andrew Vaughn to fly out to center fielder Jack Meggs and keep UW's 3-1 advantage intact.

The Huskies added an insurance run in their half of the seventh inning when Jordan scored on a passed ball. The UW second baseman singled with one out, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and took third on a wild pitch. With MJ Hubbs up to bat, he took ball four from pitcher Tanner Dodson, which bounced off the end of catcher Korey Lee's glove. Jordan was able to scamper home and slide just under the tag attempt from Dodson.

Nierenberg allowed just one base runner on a hit by pitch over the final 2 1/3 innings, but was otherwise perfect in picking up his first save of the season.

The win moved Washington into a tie for fourth in the Pac-12 standings with UCLA. Oregon State is first at 18-3, Stanford is second at 11-7 and Cal is third at 12-9.

Washington returns to action next weekend with three games in the desert against Arizona (27-15, 9-12). All three games will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.