BUIES CREEK, N.C. – The Campbell Camels fell to the #17 UCSB Gauchos Friday night in the season opener at Jim Perry Stadium, 20-8.

The Gauchos jumped on the Camels early, scoring three runs in the first and second innings. Aaron Parker hit a three-run homer in the top of the first after two errors by the Camels kept the runners on the bases.

Parker put the Gauchos on the board again with a double in the top of the second to drive in Zander Darby. Brendan Durfee drove in Parker with a single through the right side.

The Camels got on the board in the bottom of the second. Payton Howard reached on an error by the shortstop, and Joe Simpson scored from third.

Matt Ager started for the Gauchos and pitched four innings. He was relieved by Calvin Proskey, who pitched 2.1 innings and earned the win.

UCSB added four more in the top of the third. Grant Knipp responded with a two-run homer over the left field wall that went 407 feet, scoring Reed Stallman.

The Gauchos' bats stayed hot, scoring six runs in the fourth inning with a homer, a bases-clearing double, and two wild pitches.

Campbell maintained their plate discipline, scoring five runs on just two hits over the seventh and eighth innings. They recorded eight walks and one hit-by-pitch.

The Camels went to their bullpen early, and five freshmen pitchers saw their first collegiate action – Ethan Snyder, Nate Brittain, Will Palmer, Simon Bargo and Kamau Freeman.

UP NEXT

The Camels and Gauchos are back at it again tomorrow from Jim Perry Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on FloSports. Zach Sabers and Tyler Bremner are slated to start on the mound.

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