PHOENIX, Ariz. – As it headed to the ballpark for the 2018 regular season finale, the Cal baseball team trained its focus on the one thing it could control – getting a win against a good Arizona State squad.
 
A 3-0 victory over the Sun Devils, led by a complete game shutout by Aaron Shortridge, accomplished exactly that. But, the victory also had a dual purpose for a group of Golden Bears that wanted to leave one more good impression on those deliberating over the 64 teams to invite to the NCAA Championships.
 
The numbers speak kindly for the Bears because the last time they had a comparable season, they captivated the nation with an unforgettable showing at the 2015 Texas A&M Regional. Saturday's victory left the Bears with 16 Pac-12 victories for the first time since that team won 18 in 2015.
 
And, with an overall record of 32-22, six series victories against Pac-12 foes and series wins over teams in UCLA and Washington that are likely to be invited, Cal's resume and talent level look the part of a squad that has earned the right to see its season continue.
 
"I think we're definitely one of the best teams on the West Coast," head coach Mike Neu said. "We've proven that in the Pac-12 and with our overall record. And, we have some really, really high level players. I think we definitely deserve a chance. There's going to be a lower amount of teams on the West Coast but we have as good a case as anybody for that final spot if there is one. Hopefully we get in because it would be fun for our guys and I think we deserve it."
 
To have any chance to play on, Cal had to take care of business in the desert. To that end, a two-run third inning put the Bears on the scoreboard first. A high fly ball to right field off the bat of Jonah Davis ended on the grass instead of inside a glove and that, combined with an errant throw back into the infield, allowed Andrew Vaughn to score from first and Davis to come all the way around for Cal's second run.
 
Vaughn drove in the Bears' next run as a walk to Sam Wezniak and single by Ripken Reyes put runners on the corners and Cal's first basemen brought Wezniak home with a grounder to shortstop.
 
On the mound, Shortridge provided yet another outstanding effort in a breakout junior season. The right-hander delivered his third complete game of the season and finished with a line of nine innings pitched, six hits, one walk and five strikeouts. He finishes the regular season with a 5-3 record and 2.77 ERA.
 
"It's just a consistency thing," Shortridge said. "I feel like I've always been able to throw strikes and get guys out but I think this year I really approached with a professional attitude. It's something I care about a lot and I just had fun doing it."
 
With Saturday's performance, Shortridge is the first Cal pitcher to throw a complete game shutout since Ryan Mason did it in a 5-0 win over No. 3-ranked Oregon State on March 25, 2016.
 
"He's been unbelievable," Neu said. "Anytime we needed a big outing, he's come through. He's been clutch, nothing has fazed him, no pressure has affected him at all and there's nobody we would've rather had on the mound for this game. He did an unbelievable job. It was fun to watch and fun to see him finish strong when we needed him most.
 
Now, the Bears play the waiting game and they'll tune in with the rest of the nation on Monday at 9 a.m. to find out if the season continues. The NCAA selection show will be broadcast live on ESPNU.