The Northwestern Wildcats opened their series against No. 6 UCLA with a statement win, blanking the Bruins 8–0 in a six-inning mercy-rule game on Friday evening at Easton Stadium. With the win, Northwestern improved to 28–16–1 overall and 15–5 in Big Ten play, while UCLA dropped to 46–8 overall and 16–4 in conference action.
From the outset, Northwestern took control and never let go. After a scoreless first inning, the Wildcats broke through in the second with back-to-back home runs from Avery Garden and Grace Nieto. The blasts gave Northwestern an early 3–0 advantage and shifted the momentum sharply in their favor.
The third inning saw more fireworks from the Wildcats. With two outs and the bases loaded, Ayana Lindsey delivered a bases-clearing triple to left field, pushing the lead to 6–0. Garden followed with an RBI single—her third of the night—to extend the gap even further.
Northwestern added one more run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Kelsey Nader, sealing the 8–0 win and handing UCLA its first home loss of the season.
On the mound, graduate pitcher Lauren Boyd was nearly untouchable. She tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits and no walks while striking out four across six innings. It was Boyd’s second solo shutout of the season and her ninth complete game, improving her record to 13–4.
UCLA, meanwhile, struggled on both sides of the ball. Starting pitcher Taylor Tinsley was pulled after just two innings, having allowed three unearned runs. Addisen Fisher pitched the remaining four innings, surrendering five more unearned runs as the Bruins committed four costly errors in the field.
Offensively, the Bruins couldn’t find a rhythm. They managed just three hits and left several runners stranded, including a leadoff double by Kaitlyn Terry in the sixth that went unconverted. It was only the second time this season UCLA has been shut out.
Northwestern’s victory marks its second Top-10 win of the season—the first coming against No. 8 Duke—and its first run-rule triumph over a Top-10 opponent since 2009. The Wildcats have now won nine straight road games and remain undefeated on the road in Big Ten play.
Game Breakdown
The Wildcats wasted no time making noise. In the top of the second inning, Lindsey reached on an error, setting the stage for Garden’s two-run homer to right. Nieto followed immediately with a solo shot, giving Northwestern a 3–0 lead.
In the third, Northwestern poured it on. Nader and Bridget Donahey notched back-to-back hits, and after a misplayed ball at third, the bases were loaded. Lindsey cleared them with a triple, then scored on Garden’s single to center. Nieto added her third hit of the night moments later.
The Bruins showed brief signs of life in the bottom of the sixth with a leadoff double from Terry, but three quick outs ended any hopes of a rally.
What’s Ahead?
The Wildcats and Bruins continue their three-game series on Saturday, May 3, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. Northwestern will look to clinch the series, while UCLA aims to bounce back and avoid another stumble as the postseason approaches.
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Featured Image Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
