Diamond Notes: A Little Momentum?

The Bruins managed to win two games against the Huskies, who were 18-5 at their home field going into the weekend series. Today’s game will pose the same problem to the Bruins, as Pepperdine has a dominant record of 17-3 in Malibu this season.

The Bruins, winners of four of their last five games dating back to their series finale against Stanford, are looking to continue their solid all-around play. Trailing by two runs on Sunday in the eighth inning of their last game, the top of the order sparked a three-run rally that gave UCLA a satisfying come-from-behind victory amid the drizzle in Seattle.

"It was obviously an important game," winning pitcher Gavin Brooks said following the game. "It was a Pac-10 game, and we were down. It got us back to .500 and got us a series win. It was definitely a big win."

Now, aside from helping the team get one step closer to consistency, a win against a high-caliber team such as Pepperdine would be beneficial in terms of RPI ranking. Additionally, UCLA will be looking to complete the season sweep, having defeated Pepperdine earlier this season 11-3 at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

The Bruins, then ranked No. 11 nationally, received home runs by second baseman Alden Carrithers, right fielder Gabe Cohen and designated hitter Cody Decker.

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Garett Claypool (1-1) will take the hill in his fifth start of the year for the Bruins. Although he left his last outing with the lead at home against UNLV on April 22, Claypool did not factor in the decision after the bullpen squandered a five-run lead.

TUESDAY STARTER
Right-hander Garett Claypool will make his fifth start of the season when UCLA plays at Pepperdine on Tuesday afternoon. Claypool brings a 1-1 record and 3.29 ERA into the mid-week contest, after having received a no-decision against UNLV on April 22. In that outing, the sophomore from West Hills, Calif., hurled a career-high six scoreless innings and scattered three hits. In his four starts this spring, Claypool has registered a 2.04 ERA, 1-1 record and 13 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. Claypool made seven midweek starts (all on Tuesdays) as a freshman in 2007, logging a 1.82 ERA and 20 strikeouts in those appearances (29.2 innings).

WEDNESDAY STARTER
Left-hander Matt Grace will make his first collegiate start Wednesday evening, when the Bruins host Loyola Marymount at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Grace, who hails from Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., has recorded a 2.84 ERA, totaling nine strikeouts and 11 walks in 12.2 innings. Grace has limited the opposition to a .209 batting avearge, allowing just four earned runs and nine hits in relief. In a resumed game against Cal State Northridge on April 15 (suspended, Feb. 26), Grace hurled two scoreless innings of relief, logging two strikeouts in the victory. In Pac-10 action, the left-hander has tossed two scoreless frames.