IRVINE, Calif. — Crosby Slaught pitched six strong innings and the offense erupted for 14 hits as UC Irvine took the series against BYU with a 9-2 win Saturday afternoon at Cicerone Field.
Slaught was removed in the seventh inning with an 8-0 lead after allowing only two hits and one walk in the game. The offense staked him to that lead with contributions throughout the lineup.
Leadoff hitter D.J. Crumlich had a pair of RBI on three hits, including two doubles. Jordan Fox continued his hot start to the season with three hits in the 3-hole. Jeff Stephens had a pair of hits and two RBI, batting sixth and at the bottom of the lineup, Taylor Sparks made the biggest noise with a long home run down the left field line, just inside the foul pole.
After the game, I talked with head coach Mike Gillespie and Fox. Gillespie spoke about the importance of the team contributions, Slaught’s pitching performance and Fox playing second base as a left hander:
Fox has carried the team offensively so far this season. He talked about a player’s only meeting the team had to discuss the offensive struggles. He also discussed his reaction to playing second base and said he is excited about Tuesday’s matchup at Dodger Stadium:
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