UCLA vs. Maryland Friday Baseball Open Thread: 2012 Season Gets Underway

257 days. That is how long it has been since UCLA last played a baseball game and it wasn't a pretty one. A two-run ninth inning allowed UC Irvine to turn a one-run deficit into a one-run win and the Bruins' season was over. Now they finally get the opportunity to put last season behind them because the 2012 season is ready to get underway tonight when the Bruins host on Maryland at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

Adam Plutko will take the ball for the start of the new season as the Bruins' new Friday night starter. The sophomore went 7-4 with a 2.01 ERA last season and will be looking to replicate his last start, which was 7.2 innings of one-hit ball in the Regionals. If he can do that, UCLA will be looking at their sixth straight season-opening win. Opposite Plutko will be another right-handed sophomore, Brady Kirkpatrick, who went 2-5 with a 5.71 in 2011.

For those looking to follow along, John Ramey and Tim Wilhelm are back for the new season and they will have the call online tonight and all season long. GameTracker will be going and if you want updates all game as well as notes and observations, you can check out my UCLA baseball twitter. This is your open thread for the 2012 season opener so share your updates and anything else here.