Bulldogs Close Out Santa Barbara Series, Sit Atop the Standings in Three-Way Tie

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Allan Hancock hosted Santa Barbara for Games 1 and 3 while making the trip to Pershing Park for Game 2, dropping the first two before rallying for a 13-10 victory in the finale to avoid the series sweep.  

Game 1 — Santa Barbara 13, Allan Hancock 5 BOX SCORE

Santa Barbara struck early and often, plating runs in each of the first three innings to build an insurmountable lead. Hancock starter Omar Reynoso was tagged for seven runs on seven hits in two innings before the bullpen was called upon, with the Vaqueros ultimately handing the Bulldogs a 13-5 defeat.

Offensively, Parker Schwake led the way going 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Jacob McMillan drove in two from the three-hole. Braden Oliver also contributed a hit and an RBI. The Bulldogs collected 10 hits on the afternoon but stranded 11 runners, unable to find the big inning needed to make a dent in the deficit.

Game 2 — Santa Barbara 16, Allan Hancock 5 BOX SCORE

The Bulldogs couldn't find their footing away from home, as Santa Barbara put up crooked numbers in three of the first five innings and pulled away for a 16-5 victory. Ryan Cronk took the loss, allowing ten hits and nine earned runs in 3.2 innings.

Hancock's offense showed some fight — Braden Oliver went 3-for-4 with three RBI, Parker Schwake doubled and drove in a run, and Colin Johnston added an RBI — but the Bulldogs were playing from behind all afternoon and couldn't generate the sustained pressure needed to get back in the game. Santa Barbara finished with 13 hits and took advantage of four Hancock errors on the day.

Game 3 — Allan Hancock 13, Santa Barbara 10 BOX SCORE

Down two games in the series, the Bulldogs responded with their best offensive performance of the weekend. Hancock jumped on Santa Barbara's starter early — scoring four runs in the first inning and four more in the second — and held on through a back-and-forth final game to win 13-10 and salvage the series split.

Matt Kovach was the offensive catalyst, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in the biggest performance of the weekend. Josue Garcia drove in four behind a strong day behind the plate, and Jacob McMillan set the table all afternoon with two hits and two RBI out of the leadoff spot. Isaac Imamura also contributed 2 hits and an RBI, and Braden Oliver drove in a run to complete a consistent series at the plate.

On the mound, Brycen Hurtado earned the win in relief, and Gage Mattis slammed the door in the ninth for his first save of the year. The Bulldogs finished with 13 hits as a team and drew eight walks, controlling the strike zone when it mattered most.

The Bulldogs sit in a three-way tie for first place with nine games remaining and will look to build on that momentum Tuesday when they host Ventura for the first game of a three-game series.

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