UCLA Bruin Baseball takes Game 1 from Cal Poly; Looks for Series Win Tonight

Last night, the UCLA Bruins baseball team (2-3) reversed some trends that had started to appear in the 2016 season, while edging Cal Poly 7-6. For one, they hammered out 11 hits. They also did not commit an error. Hitting and defense were much better, but pitching is still an issue as the Bruins squandered a 5-0 lead, giving up 5 runs in the bottom of the fifth to allow Cal Poly back into the game.

The pitching issue can, to some extent, be explained away. UCLA starter, Grant Dyer, left the game after throwing two scoreless innings, with an undisclosed injury. First and foremost, let's hope that the injury isn't severe and wish Grant all the best in bouncing back from his injury. After Dyer left the game, UCLA used seven pitchers in the next seven innings.

Indeed, Cal Poly (4-1)  enjoyed its five run fifth inning against a trio of UCLA freshmen. Jon Olsen, Justin Hooper, and Nathan Hadley combined to record just one out, while walking three, conceding three hits, and allowing five runs (all earned). I guess if your freshman pitchers are going to get beaten up and gain experience on the road, it helps if you actually win the game.

UCLA was led by Kort Peterson, who went 3-4 with 2 RBI. Eric Filia also had a solid game, going 2-5 with two runs scored. Brett Urabe had two hits and an RBI. Hopefully this is the beginning of an offensive awakening for UCLA.

Freshman Brian Gadsby earned his first collegiate save, in a one-run game no less. Gadsby pitched in the bottom of the ninth inning, striking out the lead-off hitter, issuing a walk (putting the tying run on first and the winning run at the dish), and then inducing a game-ending double play.

Cal Poly plays a double header today, but UCLA does not. You heard that right. In a scheduling quirk, at the time of this writing, Cal Poly is playing a game against the University of Michigan, which started at noon PT. The UCLA game starts at 6 p.m. PT.

Sophomore righthander, Griffin Canning (0-0; 5.40 ERA), will take the mound for UCLA. Cal Poly will counter with junior righty, Slater Lee (1-0. 3.68 ERA).

There is no TV for tonight's game. John Ramey and Tim Wilhelm will have the call via streaming online audio. You can also follow tonight’s game via Cal Poly's online video stream, or via live statistics .

This is your UCLA vs. Cal Poly, Game Two open thread.

Go Bruins!!