OMAHA, Neb. – A nine-hit game gave the Cal baseball team its share of opportunities to stage a comeback but the Bears ultimately left eight men on base and couldn't overcome a deficit as they dropped a 4-2 decision to Creighton in game two of three at TD Ameritrade Park.
 
In much the same fashion as game one of the series, Cal (29-21) jumped out to the first lead on Friday. A leadoff walk by Jonah Davis and double to left field by Max Flower set the stage and RBI ground outs by Matt Ruff and Cameron Eden pushed both runners across to give the Bears a 2-0 advantage.
 
Creighton (34-15) answered quickly, plating two runs in the bottom of the inning to tie the score. The Bluejays followed with single runs in the third and fourth innings, taking the lead on an RBI single by Michael Emodi and adding a sacrifice fly to move ahead 4-2.
 
Four Cal pitchers took their turn on the mound and kept the Bears within reach throughout the game. Jared Horn drew the start and allowed two runs in two innings before Aaron Shortridge entered in relief and also yielded a pair of runs in two innings of work. Zayne Patino fired a scoreless inning, Erik Martinez finished up for the Bears and threw three sharp innings, allowing no runs and only two hits while striking out three.
 
Eden led the Bears with three hits while Vaughn added two.  Cal and Creighton are scheduled to complete their series on Sunday at 10 a.m. (PT) though inclement weather is forecast for the region. The Bears will then return home and begin preparations for a trip to Arizona State next weekend.