Oregon Gifts Game 1 to UCLA; Bruins Seek Series Win Tonight

Despite being outhit by the Oregon Ducks, seven hits to five, the UCLA Bruin baseball team plated six runs to Oregon's three, as UCLA took game of one of the three game set at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Most of the damage came in a four run 1st inning in which UCLA had only one hit.

There were scouts and speed guns aplenty at JRS last night, to see the pitching duel between UCLA's Griffin Canning and Oregon's Matt Krook. Krook was not up to the task, however, walking three and hitting one batter in the bottom of the 1st inning, which helped UCLA score four runs. UCLA helped it own cause with one hit (a Luke Perscio RBI single), and was helped by Oregon's catcher, Slade Heggen, who allowed a run scoring past ball.

After UCLA scored two more runs in the 4th inning on an Eric Filia RBI single and a Christoph Bono hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded, reliever Cooper Stiles shut the Bruins down in the last four and 2/3 innings, allowing only one hit.

The 6-0 cushion was more than enough for UCLA's Griffin Canning, who earned his fifth win of the season, raising his record to 5-4. Canning allowed three runs (two earned) in six and 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking three. Most of the damage came on a pinch hit, two run home run by Phil Craig-St. Louis in the 5th inning, after an error by Trent Chatterton on a routine ground ball put a runner on first with one out.

The win raises UCLA's overall record to 17-18, 7-9 in the PAC 12. The Ducks drop to 17-14, 7-6 in the PAC 12. UCLA found itself in the same position last week, but dropped two winnable games to the Huskies. They cannot afford a similar letdown tonight and tomorrow afternoon. The Bruins need to win at least one, preferably both, of these next two games.

Grant Dyer (1-2, 6.50 ERA) starts for UCLA tonight. Oregon will counter with another of its left handed starters, Cole Irvin (3-3, 4.01 ERA). Dyer needs to step up his game and tonight would be a perfect time for it.

First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. PT. The game will be televised on the PAC 12 Network. You can also listen to UCLA's dynamic Duo, John Ramey and Tim Wilhelm, who will call the game on the Bruins' online audio stream. Or you can follow the live statistics.

Better yet, if you live in L.A. and want to come out to a gorgeous night of baseball, head over to Jackie Robinson Stadium and let the other BN readers know what they are missing!

This is you UCLA v. Oregon Game Two open thread. Fire away with your thoughts in the comment thread.

Go Bruins!!