The UCLA Bruin Baseball team (29-24, 18-10 PAC 12) is one step closer to the postseason as a result of an excellent outing on the road by UCLA’s ace, Griffin Canning. Canning tossed a complete game shutout against the Ducks, scattering only four hits and striking out ten.
Both pitchers from last night’s game can expect their names to be called early in the MLB Draft this year, but Canning (7-3) clearly got the better of Oregon’s ace, David Peterson, whose record dropped to 11-4. Some self-inflicted woulds by Peterson (a hit by pitch and two walks), bracketed two singles and a throwing error, leading to UCLA’s first three runs of the game in the top of the 3rd.
Canning cruised all night, and the Bruins received timely hitting that sometimes evades this squad. Last night, every positional player chipped in by either getting a hit or scoring a run. It was a big team victory and important to win game one of this series.
The Bruins are one win away from the 30 win threshold with two games to go. Most pundits believe that UCLA gets into the postseason with 30 wins. It could happen tonight. Another win would give UCLA the series win and lock up at least third in the PAC 12. It would be very, very difficult for the committee to exclude UCLA with that on its resume.
First pitch is once again at 6 p.m. PT. Jake Bird (5-3, 3.02 ERA) will take the mound for the Bruins. Oregon will counter with Matt Mercer (5-7, 3.44 ERA).
There is a live stream of the game! You can also follow along via UCLA streaming audio. Personally, I mute the video stream and listen to the UCLA audio. You can also follow along with live stats.
This is your UCLA Bruin Baseball versus Oregon Ducks Game Two open thread.
Go Bruins!!