MORAGA, Calif. –– The Gaels recorded their first conference win of the season on Friday, taking down Pacific 5-3., and stretching their win streak to six.
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Joe Vranesh got the offense started for the Gaels on Friday afternoon as he drove a triple to the right-center field. Ryan Novis followed up with a single up the middle that scored Vranesh and gave the SMC the early 1-0 lead.

 

• In the bottom of the third inning, Kevin Milam hit a two-out single to left field before a wild pitch advanced him to second base. Vranesh was walked before Novis hit a pop fly to short right field that scored Milam and put runners at second and third. Eddie Haus then drove a double to deep left field that scored Novis and Vranesh that put the Gaels up by four runs. Gio Diaz then lined a single over the third baseman and scored Haus for the fifth run of the day. During the stretch, the Gaels had six batters reach base consecutively and brought nine batters to the plate. The Tigers scored their first run of the day in the top of the fourth inning after a double to center field scored the previous runner.

 

• Kevin Milam pitched another strong start for the Gaels as he ended the day with seven innings pitched and three earned runs. Milam allowed just seven hits, while striking out six batters and walking only two. His seven innings pitched ties his season high total and was just one out shy of his career high of seven and a third.

 

• The Gaels threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning as they loaded the bases after two walks and a HBP, but the inning ended without SMC brining anyone home. The Tigers began the top of the eighth with a two-run homerun to left field that put Pacific within two runs of the Gaels 5-3. Michael Hobbs came in relief for the Gaels and pitched through the rest of the game to complete the 5-3 victory.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 9: Active streak for Novis of consecutive at-bats where he has reached base.
• 9: Hits today for the Gaels compared to Pacific (7).
• 7.0: Ties Milam's previous season-high for total innings pitched.
• 8: Total number of strikeouts for both Pacific and Saint Mary's pitchers.

QUOTABLE

"Once we get into conference play, every game matters," said junior Kevin Milam. "I was definitely ready to come in and get this thing done today."

"I'm really trying to stay with my approach," said junior Ryan Novis. "Being able to recognize the pitches has been huge for me and I was able to find some holes today."

COMING UP

The Gaels will continue their series against the Pacific Tigers on Saturday with first pitch at 1 p.m. and game three will take place on Sunday.

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