CARY, N.C. — Gabriel Duran brought home not only the first upset of the Division II World Series, but also the first complete game of the series.

Dowling’s sophomore starter tossed a three-hitter as he shut down top-ranked UC San Diego (39-14), allowing just one run in No. 21 Dowling’s 3-1 victory. Duran used mostly a fastball and slider, mixing in the occasional changeup to baffle UCSD hitters all game.

For the year, Duran is now 10-2, and he was the Eastern Conference pitcher of the year.

Duran induced five 1-2-3 innings despite striking out just four batters on the day. He even closed out the game after allowing runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth inning. 

"I was throwin’ it with all my might," Duran said. "I was so tired, I ran out of gas.

But he had enough in the tank to end the game with a strikeout, an intentional walk, and a line out to center field.

The game was mostly a defensive battle, and not many balls found holes to get through. UCSD’s infield was rock solid all day, and nothing got past shortstop Vance Albitz and third baseman Josh Tanner, both of whom registered five assists.

Now for the second game of the day, Lynn University going up against West Chester.