'Eaters edge by UCR

But Bart Steponovich was victimized by the hidden ball trick when third baseman Hernandez tagged him after he led off the bag following an infield single and an error by Phil Holinsworth. Holinsworth was then thrown out trying to steal third to end the inning by UCI junior catcher Ronnie Shaeffer, who nailed three would-be Highlander base-stealers on the night.

Slaught allowed six hits, walked one and struck out six.

Ramirez was two for three with two RBIs, while Hillman and Crumlich added two hits apiece.

Senior right fielder Sean Madigan went hitless in four at-bats and saw his streak of reaching base in 34 straight games come to an end.

"I thought it was a really good baseball game," UCI Coach Mike Gillespie said.

"[Orozco] was really good, but I thought all three of ours were also really good."

Crumlich said pitching and defense were key.

"Defense has been one of our building blocks this year," Crumlich said. "And Slaught came out and dealt today."

UCI left only two runners on base and UCR left three.

The series concludes Sunday at 1 p.m.

*

Big West Conference

UC Irvine 3, UC Riverside 2

SCORE BY INNINGS

UCI 010 100 010 – 3 9 1

UCR 002 000 000 – 2 8 0

Slaught, Litchfield (8), Hernandez (9) and Shaeffer; Orozco and Steponovich. W – Slaught, 7-1. L – Orozco, 4-2. Sv – Hernandez (11). 2B – Hillman (UCI), Ramirez (UCI). Hairgrove (UCR), Crumlich (UCI), Hernandez (UCI). HR – Hairgrove (UCR).