Earned runs are a funny statistic. A pitcher who makes an error and then allows that run to score is not charged with an earned run. It’s as if that pitcher essentially represents two players — one who throws the ball to home plate and one who fields his position.
It’s also a rule that one can never assume a double play when determining unearned runs, even if that potential double play is simple.
That was the case Friday afternoon for UC Davis in the second inning against defending national champion Oregon State. The Aggies should have been out of the second inning unscathed when pitcher Trevor Fox struck out Lenin Lechelt for the second out, and catcher Jabob Jeffries threw a bullet to third base to try and nail Mitch Canham. UCD third baseman Daniel Descalso (normally a sure-handed fielder) dropped the ball, allowing the inning to continue. The Beavers would score go on to score five times in the inning.
Fox went on to allow six runs (three earned) in 4 2/3 innings, but he easily could have been in a 0-0 game. The No. 15-ranked Beavers went onto win 11-2.
Other random notes: UCD left 13 runners stranded, including runners in scoring position in the first seven innings. ... Bryan Evans, normally the Friday starter, looked effective as a reliever, working 3 1/3 innings and allowing one run ... Michael Jacobellis, Sunday’s star against Santa Clara, reached base three times as the leadoff hitter and has an on-base percentage of .500. ... Today’s starter against San Francisco will be Brad McAtee (15 strikeouts in 13 innings) while usual Sunday starter Jeff Reekers will work in relief, coach Rex Peters said.
--Matt O'Donnell
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