STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford pitchers struck out 13 hitters and senior Owen Cobb launched his first career home run, but California (3-1) spoiled No. 2 Stanford's home opener by way of an 8-4 victory from Sunken Diamond on Tuesday night.
Freshman Toran O'Harran (0-1) got the start for Stanford (2-2) and took the loss after allowing four runs over one inning pitched - the big blow a grand slam off the bat of Carson Crawford. Senior Nicolas Lopez proved a bright spot for the Cardinal, coming out of the bullpen and throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing no hits, with no walks and two strikeouts. Junior Joey Dixon also impressed as the first reliever for the Cardinal, striking out a career-best six batters over three innings. The only real mistake Dixon made resulted in a two-run home run from Chase Lomavita over the wall in left field on a night that saw 30-plus mile-an-hour gusts that direction.
Cobb led the way offensively for the Cardinal, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with the home run and two RBI. Junior Alberto Rios put together a noteworthy performance as well, going 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Hitting out of the leadoff spot in the order, junior Eddie Park went 2-for-5.
The Cardinal saw its fair share of chances in the setback, hitting into four double plays and leaving seven runners on base.
On a staff day for the Golden Bears, starter Joe Williams (1-0) was credited with the victory after tossing two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit and a walk.
GAME NOTES
» The Cardinal drew five walks in the loss.
» Braden Montgomery (1-for-3) has reached in 30 consecutive games dating back to last season.
» The four grounded into double plays are the most for the Cardinal since hitting into four at Arizona State on April 17, 2021.
UP NEXT
Stanford will remain at home this week, hosting Rice in a three-game series starting on Friday at 2 p.m.