Dirtbags Fall To UC Riverside After Late Game Surge

Saturday, April 18

Long Beach, Calif.

6:05 p.m.

Long Beach State University

12-26, 6-14

UC Riverside

12-25, 7-10

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
UC Riverside	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	1	4	7	1
Long Beach State	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	8	2

4/18/2026 9:34:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Dirtbags hold early lead but fall late at home in game two of the series against UC Riverside.

By: Cianna Smith-Andrews, Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Long Beach State fell to UC Riverside 4-1 Saturday night, despite creating multiple scoring opportunities at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field. The Dirtbags finished with several hits and base runners in scoring position but were unable to capitalize.

After a scoreless start through five innings, Long Beach State broke through in the sixth. Jake Evans led off with a double to deep left, and Matt Toomey reached on a fielder's choice, putting Evans out at third. Dylan Lina singled down the left field line to put runners on the corners. Smith Chandler followed with an RBI groundout to short, bringing home Toomey from third for the Dirtbags' lone run and a 1-0 lead.

UC Riverside responded in the seventh, beginning with a solo home run to deep right field to tie the game at 1-1. The Highlanders continued to apply pressure, putting two runners aboard with back-to-back singles before a double to deep left field scored both runners from second and first, giving UC Riverside a 3-1 advantage.

The Dirtbags had chances to answer late. In the seventh, Murchael Turner singled and Conner Stewart grounded out to move Turner to third, but the rally was stalled.

UC Riverside added an insurance run in the ninth. After a leadoff walk and a sacrifice bunt moved the runner to second, a failed pickoff attempt and a balk allowed the runner to score, extending the lead to 4-1.

Long Beach State threatened in the ninth after Kaiden Smaka drew a walk and advanced into scoring position on a balk, but the Dirtbags were unable to bring him home.

The Dirtbags will look to bounce back tomorrow as they aim to avoid the sweep. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.