After a scoreless first three innings, UCLA’s AJ Salgado blasted a three-run no-doubter to right-center that went over the scoreboard at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The senior right fielder then kept his pace as he hammered another three-run homer in the following inning. His performance gave the Bruins a substantial lead, which they held onto for the remainder of the match.
On a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, UCLA baseball (15-4, 4-1) defeated Nebraska (7-10, 1-4) in a 11-3 blowout win that extended the Bruins’ current win streak to four. This was the second match of a three-game series, with UCLA winning the first leg 5-2 on Friday night. As the Bruins’ first home conference series in the Big Ten, they look to complete the sweep 1 p.m. Sunday.
UCLA had a rough start, as starting right-hand pitcher Michael Barnett (5-0) gave up a first inning run to Nebraska’s Max Buettenback, who scored off an RBI double from Tyler Stone. Nonetheless, this was the only run allowed by Barnett who pitched five innings and finished with seven strikeouts.
Nebraska maintained a 1-0 lead throughout the first three innings thanks to starting pitcher Ty Horn (0-3), who came out smoking with three strikeouts in 13 pitches in the bottom of the first. However, his defense began to falter in the fourth inning, allowing UCLA’s Mulivai Levu to reach base on an error from second baseman Devin Nunez. This escalated quickly as Horn then walked UCLA’s Blake Balsz, opening the door for Salgado’s first three-run homer.
Going into the fifth inning, the Bruins had a 3-1 lead and continued to keep their foot on the gas. Horn gave up a solo home run to catcher Cashel Dugger as well as a balk to Roch Cholowsky. He was then subbed out for left-hand pitcher Jalen Worthley, who gave up two RBIs before allowing Salgado to go yard again, giving the Bruins a dominant 9-1 lead.
Nebraska fought back, scoring runs in the eighth and the ninth. However, UCLA maintained their lead by scoring two runs in the eighth that firmly set them up for victory.
The game ball goes out to Salgado who had the greatest game of his NCAA career, finishing with six RBIs, two runs, two hits and two home runs. UCLA baseball started their first Big Ten season strong and look to close out the series on a high note before preparing for Indiana, whom they will face next week in a three-game series at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
Infielder #7; Roman Martin, runs after hitting a fast pitch. After calming his senses down; he was able to bat against Nebraska's fastest pitcher. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
Infielder #24, AJ Salgado, swings to hit the baseball. He hit two home runs in today's game. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
Infielder #7; Roman Martin, is taking a deep breath before batting against a strong rival pitcher. He assisted in two putouts. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
UCLA pitcher #21. Josh Alger positions himself to pitch against Nebraska batter. He threw two strikeouts against Nebraska. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
UCLA pitcher #21 Josh Alger is about to throw the baseball towards Nebraska batter. His IP value totaled to 0.2 during today's game. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
UCLA catcher #8, Kasen Khansarinia, is seen practicing in between innings. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
Infielder number #24 AJ Salgado positions himself to hit. He had the highest number of RBIs in the game, totaling six. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
UCLA catcher positions himself to catch a fast ball. Many strikes were thrown in today's game; in which catchers readied themselves attentively. Photographed by Catherine Rodriquez/BruinLife
