But Thurman, who last lost on March 30 against Pacific, surrendered four runs, all earned, on six hits in six innings Friday. Thurman struck out five and walked two, while throwing 96 pitches. He finishes the season 8-3.
Thurman, attempting to be the fifth straight Big West Pitcher of the Year to wear a UCI uniform, entered the week with five wins in conference play, third-best in the conference. Thurman's conference ERA of 2.28 entering Friday ranked fourth in the Big West, while he topped conference pitchers in batting average against (.178) heading into his final start.
Kupbens, a senior left-hander who entered his final collegiate start with a 4-4 record this season, threw 115 pitches, 79 for strikes, to earn the victory. Kupbens struck out two and walked three.
Davis (26-29, 11-11) scored two runs in the first and again in the third for all it would need.
Junior third baseman Paul Politi went two for two with two runs batted in to pace the Aggies' seven-hit attack. Freshman designated hitter Nick Lynch was two for three with one RBI and two runs, while freshman right fielder Kevin Barker was two for four with an RBI.
Junior Mark Trentacosta and sophomore Mitch Merten combined for two scoreless relief innings for UCI, which will need to win Saturday and Sunday to avoid losing the fifth of its eight Big West series this season.
Senior Crosby Slaught (6-5) with a 3.48 earned-run average, will oppose Tom Briner (4-6, 3.81) on Saturday at 1 p.m. Slaught is attempting to earn his 23rd career victory as an Anteater.
UCI remains in sole possession of fourth place in conference.
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