IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine was unable to complete the sweep, losing 3-1 to UC Riverside Sunday at Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark.

The loss was the Anteaters' third straight in a series finale after the team opened the season by winning four consecutive series finales.   

Trailing 3-0, the Anteaters mounted a prime opportunity in the ninth by loading the bases with one out. Chris Rabago worked a full-count walk to lead off against starter Ben Doucette and Connor Spencer doubled to put runners on second and third. Doucette was lifted for closer Kevin Sprague, who popped up Taylor Sparks for the first out before walking Jerry McClanahan to load the bases. A passed ball put the 'Eaters on the board but Sprague held firm and struck out Jonathan Munoz and then induced a groundball to second to preserve the win and earn his third save.

UCI starter Evan Brock opened the game by retiring the side in order but then had to contend with two errors in the second. David Andriese hit a groundball to short to kick off the frame but the throw to first by Sparks was low, allowing Andriese to reach safely. Thomas Walker laced a one-out double just inside the third-base bag to put runners on second and third. Drake Zarate was hit by the pitch, loading the bases for Cody Hough who capitalized with a hit to left to drive in Andriese. A fielding error by Adam Alcantara on the play allowed Walker to score the second run.

Hough, 2 for 4, delivered again in the fourth with a two-out double to the left-centerfield gap to drive in Zarate.

UCI had an opportunity in the second inning as Sparks drew a four-pitch walk and McClanahan, who was 2 for 3, beat out an infield single to put runners on first and second. However, a failed hit-and-run doubled up the Anteaters and Doucette struck out Justin Castro to escape the inning.

Brock pitched six innings, striking out five and giving up three runs (one earned) on four hits but fell to 4-2.

Doucette logged an eight-inning stint, striking out seven and giving up an unearned run on five hits to improve to 2-2.

UCI travel to Pepperdine Tuesday for a 3:00 p.m. first pitch.