Big West Rivals Meet as UC Davis Visits UC Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — Two Big West Conference foes seeking momentum will open a three-game series Friday afternoon when the UC Davis Aggies visit the UC Riverside Highlanders.

First pitch at Riverside Sports Complex is set for 6 p.m. under clear skies with a game-time temperature near 70 degrees.

The Aggies (5-7) enter having dropped three of their last four, including a 7-2 road loss at Saint Mary’s on Tuesday. The Highlanders (3-10) have lost five straight, most recently a 5-3 defeat at California Baptist on Tuesday.

A key player to watch for UC Davis is utility man Eli Solem. In his last outing, he threw three hitless innings of relief against Saint Mary’s, though he allowed two earned runs. He has been effective out of the bullpen, not allowing a hit over his last 4 2/3 innings spanning three appearances.

UC Riverside will look to two-way player Jaxon Byrd to spark a turnaround. Byrd homered and drove in a run in a game against Utah Valley on Feb. 28. On the mound, he has shown swing-and-miss capability, striking out four over two scoreless innings against Wagner on Feb. 22 and adding two more strikeouts in a perfect inning Tuesday.

The Aggies took two of three from Nevada at home last weekend but have struggled for consistency. The Highlanders’ only series win came against Wagner in late February, and they have been outscored 42-18 during their current losing skid.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Friday’s contest projects to be a tight one, with a predicted final score of UC Davis 4, UC Riverside 3.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday at Riverside Sports Complex.