The postseason is looming in college baseball, and UCSB is trying to stay in the conversation.
Before an important Big West series at Long Beach State this weekend, the Gauchos posted a key non-conference win on Tuesday, beating West Coast Conference-leading Loyola Marymount, 7-4, at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.
The win improved UCSB’s record to 31-14 on the year.
“We’re chasing the postseason right now,” said UCSB coach Andrew Checketts. “Whether that’s hopefully catching Fullerton (for first place in the Big West), or if that doesn’t happen, getting an RPI (power rating) and a body of work together that allows us to get an at large bid.”
Jonah Sebring, coming off a huge weekend at UC Riverside, got the Gauchos going early with a two-run double down the left-field line. He drove in Christian Kirtley and Jared Sundstrom who reached base on a single and an error, respectively.
Kirtley, batting lead-off through the last four games has been on base to start the game in each occasion.
“We looked at Kirt’s numbers with runners on base versus the lead-off spot and he was on base 50% of time at lead-off,” stated Checketts.
Starting pitcher Reed Moring was dealing early as he was able to set down four LMU hitters via strikeout through two innings of work.
“Reed Moring has gone back and he’s done a really nice job,” said Checketts.
LMU got to Moring in the third inning, scoring two runs to tie the score.
Kirtley put UCSB back in the lead with a solo homer in the bottom of the third.
Carter Benbrook came in relief and shut out the Lions for three innings, striking out three batters along the way.
“Carter Benbrook has been way better than his numbers show. He had a two-week streak where he struggled a little bit and his ERA bloomed, but in terms of coming in and getting stops for us and making clutch pitches, he’s done a good job, ” said Checketts.
The Gauchos added to their lead in the fifth as Aaron Parker walked with the bases loaded to score a run. Ivan Brethowr followed with a hard ground ball to left field to score an additional two runs for a 6-2 lead.
The Lions stuck around, putting another run across in the sixth inning. The threatened in the seventh inning with the bases loaded.
Sam Whiting was able to roll a double play followed by a line out to get out of the jam allowing just one run.
“I think Sam Whiting is better than his numbers show, and it was nice to have him settle in there,” stated Checketts.
With the score 6-4, Sundstrom hit a towering home run to left field for a three-run lead.
“LMU has a RPI in the top 100, so that that was a big win for us in terms of the résumé we’re trying to put together if we don’t have a regular season title,” said Checketts.
