UCLA Looks for the Series Win Over Gonzaga

The UCLA baseball team, behind a strong effort from starting pitcher, James Kaprielian, shut out the Gonzaga Bulldogs last night by the score of 3-0. Kap scattered four hits over 7 and 2/3 innings, striking out six. It was a marked improvement over his outing last Friday night against Stanford. Dave Berg recorded his 10^th save of the season and, more importantly, broke the NCAA record for most career appearances by a pitcher. Congratulations Dave!

The Bruins (32-10; 16-5 PAC 12) got three hit performances from Brett Stephens (who filled the lead-off spot, with Kevin Kramer batted second), Chris Keck, and Daryl Miller, Jr. UCLA plated two runs in the bottom of the third inning on the strength of four consecutive hits with two outs, highlighted by Luke Persico’s double. Brett Stephens cashed in Christoph Bono with a double in the bottom of the fourth inning, to round out UCLA’s scoring

The Zags (20-22; 10-11 WCC) were not able to get anything going with the bats, registering only five hits, all of them singles. Their only threat was back-to-back singles in the eighth inning with two outs, but Grant Dyer came in to induce a ground ball to Kevin Kramer for out number three.

Senior, left-hander Grant Watson (7-3; 1.94 ERA) takes the hill this afternoon for the Bruins. The Bulldogs will counter with sophomore, right-hander Brandon Bailey (6-2, 2.95 ERA). First pitch is at 2 p.m. PT at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The game is not televised by the always excellent John Ramey and Tim Wilhelm will call the game via streaming online audio. You can also follow the action via live statistics.

This is your UCLA vs. Gonzaga Game Two open thread

Goooooooo Bruins!!!!