Weston helps Cal Poly split doubleheader with rival UCSB

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Travis Weston continued his stellar pitching on Saturday and proved he could get outs when it counted most.

Weston escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the fifth inning and allowed only one run while pitching into the sixth as Cal Poly beat UCSB 5-1 in the opener of a Saturday doubleheader.

The Gauchos responded with 2-1 walk-off win in 11 innings in the nightcap. Freshman catcher John Newman Jr. was the hero with the game-winning hit.

Facing a talented Gauchos lineup in the opener, Weston was protecting a 5-1 lead when he allowed two singles and a walk to open the fifth inning to bring the tying run to the plate. Weston calmly met the moment, getting a popout, strikeout and groundout to end the threat.

Nick DiCarlo homered in the opener and Nick Marinconz went deep in the second game for the Mustangs.

Some fans were able to fill the seats for the first time this season as Gaucho players and coaches can now invite select family members to games. UCSB is still not allowing the general public into Caesar Uyesaka Stadium due to COVID-19 protocols.

UCSB will go for the series win in the finale on Sunday afternoon.