Junior pitcher Nick Dugan led Stanford to a narrow 2-1 victory over Sacramento State, pitching seven effective innings while allowing just one run. The Cardinal's two runs came in the first inning, with Dugan improving his season record to 5-0 thanks to a strong performance that included six strikeouts and no walks. Dugan has now delivered three consecutive strong starts in midweek games, helping Stanford bolster its impressive nonconference play record to 15-2. Sam Garewal assisted by closing the game with two scoreless innings for his first career save.

By the Numbers
  • Nick Dugan pitched 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits.
  • Stanford improved to 15-2 in nonconference play this season.
  • Dugan now holds a record of 5-0 for the year.
Yes, But

While Dugan had an impressive outing, Sacramento State mounted significant offensive pressure, particularly in the second and sixth innings, indicating potential vulnerabilities in Stanford's pitching against more aggressive lineups.

State of Play
  • Stanford is on a positive trajectory with a recent winning streak, including three consecutive midweek victories.
  • Sam Garewal's performance in closing indicates a growing depth in their bullpen.
What's Next

Stanford will take this momentum into an important three-game ACC series against Boston College, which begins on Friday. Their continued success depends on sustaining strong pitching performances and offensive support.

Bottom Line

Dugan's standout performance showcases his potential as a key asset for Stanford in the remainder of the season, while the team's ability to perform under pressure will be critical as they face tougher opponents ahead.