TUCSON, AZ (02.06.20) - The UT Dallas baseball kicked off the 2020 season Thursday afternoon with the Comets dropping a 3-0 decision to No. 21-ranked California Lutheran to open the Cactus Classic, held at the Kino Sports Complex.

Transfer junior right-hander Blake Birdwell tossed six strong innings for the Comets, but the UTD offense could not provide the offense needed for an opening-day victory. The Comets managed seven hits off of four CLU hurlers but were 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Birdwell gave up three runs on nine hits with two strikeouts while Orion Drymond pitched the final two frames for the Comets, fanning four.

CLU scored twice in the opening inning thanks to an RBI double and a sac fly and added a final run in the 6th on a solo home run by Joseph Scalzo.

The Comets (0-1) return to the field at 11 a.m. (Central) Friday when they face reigning NCAA Division III National Champion and preseason top-ranked Chapman in the squad's second of three games at the event.