MORAGA, Calif. – Jake Mayer pitched 7.1 strong innings but the Utah Valley University offense was kept at bay in a 3-1, series-opening loss at Saint Mary's on Friday at Louis Guisto Field.
 
The Gaels (23-17) scored twice in the first and got 7.0 excellent innings from starter Kevin Milam, who struck out nine and also limited the Wolverines (13-25) to four hits on the day. Milam helped his own cause at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs including a solo home run.
 
Mayer allowed seven hits with three coming in the two-run first for Saint Mary's. He retired 15 of the final 17 batters he faced before Drew Hill came on to get the final two outs of the eighth, stranding a runner at third.
 
Ty Madrigal pitched the final two innings to pick up the save for the Gaels, striking out three and walking a pair to earn his first save on the year.
 
Utah Valley's lone run came in the fourth when David Modler reached on chopper to first. With the pitcher covering first, the attempt to get Modler was high and got away, allowing Jackson Overlund to score. That got UVU within a run before Milam's home run in the sixth gave the Gaels an insurance run. 
 
Skyler Davis drew a pinch-hit walk with one out in the ninth but a groundout and flyout ending the game. The series continues on Saturday with a doubleheader at 11 a.m. PT/noon MT.