UCLA vs. Maryland Saturday Baseball Open Thread: Bruins Need To Bounce Back

Well, that wasn't the start to their 2012 season that UCLA was hoping for. The Bruins dropped their season opener on Friday night in a fashion eerily similar to far too many games from a year ago. The starting pitcher threw a gem, but the offense was anemic and when the bullpen was called upon, they were asked to protect a slim lead, which they failed to do. The result was a 2-1 loss to Maryland and the first loss in a season opener for the Bruins since 2006.

Now the Bruins look to bounce back and get a Saturday win that will give them a chance to win the series on Sunday. UCLA was exceptional on Saturdays last season, but that was with Trevor Bauer on the mound. Now it is Nick Vander Tuig getting the nod on Saturdays, a year after working as the Bruins' closer. Today will be the first time that the sophomore starts a game since his junior year of high school thanks to the Tommy John surgery that wiped out his senior year. He will be opposed by the Terps' senior right-hander David Carroll, who went 5-5 with a 4.70 ERA last season.

For those looking to follow along, John Ramey and Tim Wilhelm are back for the new season and they will have the call online today 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 today's game so share your updates and anything else here.