Bush’s homer gives UC Santa Barbara 3-2 win over Huskies

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Austin Bush homered to lead off the bottom of the 14th inning Friday as UC Santa Barbara edged Washington 3-2 to open the NCAA Tournament’s Nashville Regional.

Bush belted a 1-1 pitch from Alex Nesbitt (6-3) over the right-field wall to help the Gauchos remain in the winners’ bracket.

UC Santa Barbara (38-18-1) next faces the winner of Friday night’s Vanderbilt-Xavier game. Washington (32-22) meets the Vanderbilt-Xavier loser in an elimination game.

Washington took a 2-1 lead when MJ Hubbs drew a bases-loaded, two-out walk from Trevor Bettencourt in the 12th. UC Santa Barbara’s Devon Gradford homered off Greg Minier to lead off the bottom half of the inning.

Washington struck out 17 times and went 0 for 17 with runners in scoring position.

Justin Kelly (2-0) struck out three in 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief.

Washington starter Noah Bremer allowed four hits and one run in nine innings.