UCI sweeps doubleheader against Portland

BASEBALL

Doubleheader

PORTLAND, Ore. — UC Irvine swept a nonconference doubleheader against Portland, winning the first game, 5-1, and the second game, 6-2, on Friday.

Andrew Morales went eight innings in the opener, striking out five while allowing one unearned run and five hits. During one stretch, Morales (2-0) retired 14 straight batters.

Taylor Sparks went two for three with one run batted in and a stolen base for UCI in the first game. Grant Palmer, Chris Rabago, Connor Spencer and Mikey Duarte each collected two hits.

The Anteaters, who improved to 7-3, saw Kris Paulino hit his first two home runs of his career, both were solo shots in the second game.

Paulino went three for nine with four RBIs during the doubleheader.

Kyle Davis, in relief in Game 2, picked up the victory, his first of his career. He replaced starter Elliot Surrey in the sixth inning, and with one out and runners on first and second, he got UCI out of the jam.

Davis worked 1 1/3 innings, giving up just one hit and no runs.

Sam Moore earned his fourth save, striking out two and not allowing any hits or runs in 2 1/3 innings.

The Anteaters wrap up their three-game series at Portland (2-8) on Saturday at noon.