SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.–– The Gaels dropped the first game of the series against the Mustangs 8-3 on Friday after a strong second-inning from Cal Poly.

HOW IT HAPPENED
 

• Kevin Milam hit a lead off single to left field on Friday to begin game one of the series. Ryan Novis followed up with a single up the middle that advanced Milam, but the Gaels were unable to bring any runners across in the top of the first inning. Milam put runners on the corners in the bottom of the first but was able to pitch the Gaels out of the inning and keep the score tied 0-0.

 

• In the bottom of the second, the Mustangs led off with single followed by a double down the left-field line that scored the first run of the day. Cal Poly was then able to lay down a successful base-hit bunt and put runners at the corners. A fielder's choice hit then scored the runner at third to put the Mustangs up 2-0, but the runner going to first was out on the throw. Milam then walked consecutive batters before the Mustangs hit a double to left field which extended their lead to six runs.

 

• Novis reached second on a throwing error to begin the top of the fourth inning before stealing third base. Gio Diaz then singled up the middle and scored the Gaels first run. Diaz then stole second base, but the inning ended before more runs were allowed to score. With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth, a sac-fly to center field scored the seventh run of the day for Cal Poly.

 

• With one out, Bryce Willits hit a single to center field in the beginning of the seventh inning followed by a single from Milam through the left side. Eddie Haus then grounded into a fielder's choice and the runner going to second was out. The half inning ended before the Gaels were able to bring runs across and the score remained 7-1 in favor of the Mustangs.

 

• Cal Poly picked up another run in the bottom of the seventh after a single to center scored the runner of second base. Jack Murphy hit as two-RBI double to center field that scored Diaz and Green to make it 8-3 with Cal Poly still on top as they went into the bottom of the eighth.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 11: Ryan Novis extends his hitting streak to 11 games in a row.
• 10: Joe Vranesh's hitting streak ends at 10 games.
• 4-for-5: Kevin Milam had four hits on Friday including the first hit of the game.
• 12: Total number of hits for both teams in game one of the series.

COMING UP

The Gaels will continue the series against Cal Poly and play their final doubleheader of the season on Saturday with the first game at 1:00 p.m. and the second game scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m.

#GaelsRise – Tickets for all upcoming home game are available for purchase hereon SMCGaels.com or by calling the SMC Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTx. Fans can find all live coverage links on SMCGaels.com.