San Diego State logged its first major win of Kevin Vance’s coaching tenure on Tuesday night, upsetting No. 1 UCLA 4-3 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles.
Aidan Russell retired the Bruins’ final 11 batters, getting five by strikeout. The victory was San Diego State’s first over a top-five opponent in 18 years and one day. The Aztecs beat No. 5 USD 15-2 on Feb. 23, 2008.
Arizona State transfer Alec Belardes allowed three runs over 5 2/3 innings.
SDSU got solo home runs from Anthony Marnell IV, Tyce Peterson and Zane Kelly. Marnell’s home run in the third inning was his first home run as an Aztec. SDSU took the lead in the sixth inning, when Zach Justice singled home Jabin Trosky.
The Aztecs (5-3) now head to Seattle, where they’ll take on Washington in a four-game series starting Friday.