Michael Matuella had eight strikeouts in six innings at Cal. (Shotgun Spratling)

Game Report: Duke’s Matuella Bests Cal

BERKELEY, Calif. — After last season’s 33-24 record (16-14 in ACC play) went unrewarded with a postseason trip, Duke head coach Chris Pollard emphasized scheduling a tougher nonconference slate. That started Friday night at Evans Stadium, where Duke was in town to play the Pac-12’s California.

Behind the big arm of Michael Matuella (1-0), who struck out eight in six scoreless innings, the Blue Devils (1-0) took the first step toward a strong Ratings Percentage Index and a potential at-large berth with a 7-1 victory.

Freshman slugger Justin Bellinger got the Blue Devils on the board in spectacular fashion in the[…]