From LBSU reports

Jake Thompson nearly delivered the team’s first complete game of the season, pitching 8.2 innings and giving up just one unearned run as Long Beach State defeated UC Riverside 2-1. The win extends Long Beach State’s winning streak to seven games.

The Dirtbags and Highlanders engaged in an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel on Saturday, as each team rebuffed solid chances with timely pitching and good defense. The Dirtbags were able to get runners to third in each of the first three innings, but were turned back each time by Highlanders starter Matt Andriese.

Long Beach finally came through in the fourth to pick up their pair of runs. Brennan Metzger started the inning with the second of his three hits, and Taylor Krick followed with a single and a steal to put two runners in scoring position. A grounder brought home the first run, and a double by Jonathan Jones scored the second to give Long Beach State a 2-0 lead.

Thompson was the key the rest of the way. Scattering six hits through eight innings, the sophomore right-hander was able to keep the Highlanders off-balance and the team never seriously threatened until the ninth, when the team scored an unearned run.

Relieving Thompson with just one out to go, Charlie Ruiz earned his sixth save of the season by retiring pinch-hitter Michael Nesbitt with runners on the corners to preserve Long Beach State’s third one-run victory of the season.

The Dirtbags will try for the sweep Sunday in the series finale with the Highlanders. First pitch at Blair Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.