Report by LBSU

Brennan Metzger had a double and a single for Long Beach State, but despite five other hits on the day the Dirtbags were unable to get on the board in a 6-0 loss to UC Irvine in the first of three games with the Anteaters.

Christian Bergman, UC Irvine’s starting pitcher, closed out a complete game shutout as the Dirtbags managed to get runners on base, leaving nine, but could not manage the big hit to cross home plate on the day as Bergman finished his third complete game of the season.

UC Irvine picked up a 4-0 lead in the second inning, hitting for straight doubles to account for three runs before an RBI single by Sean Madigan closed out the scoring. The Anteaters added another unearned run in the third inning, and scored one more run after an RBI triple by designated hitter Drew Hillman.

Nate Underwood threw three scoreless innings in relief of Andrew Gagnon, the starting pitcher for Long Beach State.

The teams return to Blair Field Saturday for the second game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.