UCLA fell short losing 11-5 at Great Park in Irvine as they were unable to overcome a steady offensive push from USC in the rubber match of a competitive crosstown series. With the help of early run support, a solid start on the mound and timely hitting, the Trojans were able to hold off a late game push by the Bruins and win the weekend series 2-1.
USC took advantage of the Bruins pitching early in the game, while UCLA came into the match hoping to build on a victory in game two. By combining base knocks, aggressive base running and exploiting UCLA’s rotation’s command problems, the Trojans scored runs over several innings. USC had a commanding lead halfway through the game thanks to a huge four-run inning in the fifth.
Roman Martin, a sophomore infielder, provided the first spark, but the Bruins offense struggled to gain momentum in the early innings. In the first inning, Martin hit a three run homer to give UCLA the lead. The UCLA bats, however, cooled down after that encouraging start as they were unable to square up pitches against the USC starter.
The Bruins had an early lead thanks to Martin’s home run, his fifth of the season, but UCLA was unable to build on it as the game went on. USC gradually gained the lead to make it 11-5. In the final innings, the Trojans bullpen shut down UCLA’s offense.
Despite their best efforts, UCLA’s pitching staff was hurt by walks and a few costly defensive errors that extended innings and gave the Trojans the opportunity to score insurance runs. The Bruins shown offensive power despite the loss, and they will try to rapidly regroup as the postseason approaches.
UCLA is now 34-13 overall and 17-7 in Big Ten play as a result of the defeat. Before concluding regular-season conference play, the Bruins will now focus on a non-conference game against Long Beach State on May 6.
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Featured Image Photographed by Luana Caravalho/BruinLife.
