THE RUNDOWN
The Patriots handled the Salukis in game one of a Friday afternoon doubleheader, taking the contest 3-0. DBU (33-13, 18-4) shutout an opponent in back-to-back games for the first time since 2015 when the Pats blanked the Dons of San Francisco in consecutive contests.

DBU scored in the third when Ryan Wrobleski blasted his sixth home run of the season over the left field wall. Cole Moore then added another RBI in the top of the fourth, driving in Jace Grady. Andrew Benefield pushed the final run across the plate in the seventh, singling home Dylan Mach.

On the mound, right-hander Rhett Kouba was outstanding. Kouba pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out three and dispersing five hits harmlessly across the ballgame.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Rhett Kouba became the first pitcher to throw a seven-inning complete game shutout since Jake Johansen accomplished the feat on March 23, 2013, versus Sacramento State.
-The Pats are now 22-5 against the Salukis all-time. 
-Back in 2015, DBU shutout the Dons in a weather-shortened two game series. DBU won 8-0 and 1-0.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
2.13 - Kouba continues to lower his ERA this season. After Friday's win, his ERA now sits at just 2.13.
5 - The shutout was the fifth of the season for the DBU pitching staff, marking the most shutouts for the Patriots since the 2017 staff compiled six.
4  - The Patriots only had four hits in the ball game, but they made the most of their opportunities, stranding just two.

UP NEXT
The Patriots and Salukis play the second game of the doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 4:45pm.