From LBSU reports
Two strong pitching performances gave way to an extended affair, as Long Beach State played its first extra-inning game of the year, falling in 12 innings 3-2. Dillon Bell hit the game-winner to score an unearned run in the bottom of the 12th for UC Irvine.
UCI starter Daniel Bibona and Adam Wilk matched each other every step of the way, as the left-handers each allowed two runs over seven innings. Wilk allowed just one earned run, while Bibona struck out five for the Anteaters.
The Dirtbags got on the board first, as Jonathan Jones and Jordan Casas each singled to start the game for Long Beach State. After TJ Mittelstaedt beat out a bunt to load the bases, Steve Tinoco’s sacrifice fly brought home Jones to put Long Beach State ahead 1-0.
A defensive gaffe by the Dirtbags allowed the Anteaters to tie the score in the third inning. Wilk issued a walk to DJ Crumlich, who scored on a dropped double play ball coming with one out.
In the sixth, Casas doubled to give Long Beach State its first hit since that first inning. Lohman would then capitalize for Long Beach State, tripling down the right field line to get the run across and get the lead back.
UC Irvine rallied in the bottom half, scoring a run on a Jordan Leyland single beating a play at the plate. The Anteaters left the bases loaded, though, after a liner to Derek Legg led to a Dirtbag double play to end the threat and keep the score tied at two.
After a leadoff single in the bottom of the eighth, Wilk turned the ball over to the bullpen. Dustin Rasco came in and got an out, but a hit batter and an error during David Born’s two batters loaded the bases for Long Beach State’s fourth pitcher of the inning, closer Charlie Ruiz.
The Dirtbags escaped again with the team’s second double play in as many innings, as Ruiz slipped a breaking ball past pinch hitter Ryan Fisher on a squeeze attempt on two strikes, and the team caught Ronnie Shaeffer off third for the final out of the eighth.
A third late-inning double play again helped Long Beach State out a tenth-inning jam. After a leadoff walk from Jason Markovitz, the pitcher helped turn a 1-6-3 double play on a bunt to put two outs on the board in the inning.
UC Irvine put the leadoff runner on for the third inning in a row in the 12th inning, and an error by Brennan Metzger in left-field set the stage for the game-winner.
The second game of the three-game set between the Dirtbags and Anteaters will be Friday night at Anteater Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.