Beavers Hold UCLA Scoreless Again, Prevail 3-0

The UCLA Bruin baseball team (25-30, 12-17 PAC 12) was shut out for the second day in a row by the Oregon State Beavers (34-19, 15-14 PAC 12). OSU prevailed 3-0, and the Beavers' win likely puts them into the NCAA field of 64. A win against UCLA today would likely mean that Oregon State is a shoe in to make the tournament.

Oregon State scored single runs in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innngs. The Beavers' plated their run in the 5th on a squeeze play, notched their run in the 6th on a solo home run by Nick Madrigal, and scored their third run on a two-out triple, followed by an RBI single in the 7th.

Grant Dyer took the loss for the Bruins, although he didn't pitch particularly poorly, scattering six hits over seven and 1/3 innings, and allowing all three OSU runs. Dyer finishes the season with a 4-4 record, and a 4.50 ERA.

Freshman phenom, Bryce Fehmel, went the distance for the Beavers and was extraordinary, allowing only five UCLA hits. Fehmel, who wasn't necessarily recruited by OSU to pitch (he was a third baseman and shortstop), has turned into one of the best pitchers in the PAC 12. Fehmel is now 10-1 on the season, with a 2.31 ERA. Impressive numbers for a guy who will be around in a OSU uniform for at least two more years.

UCLA, once again, squandered some good chances. The Bruins' best chance was in the top of the 6th, when Trent Chatterton and Brett Urabe started the inning with back-to-back singles. Brett Stephens bunted the runners over to 2nd and 3rd with one out. But two of UCLA more clutch hitters, Eric Filia and Luke Persico, couldn't get the job done, fouling out and popping out, respectively, to end the inning.

Both UCLA's and Oregon State's pitchers are TBA for today's game. I expect Luke Heimlich (6-4, 3.94 ERA) to get the call for OSU. Who knows what UCLA will do at this point? With Kyle Molnar apparently shut down for the season, UCLA does not have any other pitchers who have performed well as starters. Jake Bird maybe. Maybe Justin Hooper.

This is the last game of a disappointing year for UCLA. Due to inconsistency with the bats and on the mound, this team, at times, has been difficult to follow on a game-by-game basis. The fourth, midweek starter and the bullpen, which have been big positives for UCLA in years past, were very poor this year. UCLA did not hit the ball particularly well, but that has not been an issue over the years because past UCLA teams used to get timely hits. Timely hits, pitching, and defense, were staples of past UCLA teams. Not so this season.

Today's game is an early start, with the first pitch at 11 a.m. PT. Hopefully, the Bruins can win their last one today.

The game is televised on the PAC 12 Network, but you can also follow along via UCLA's live audio stream or Oregon State's live statistics.

This is your UCLA v. Oregon State game three--the last game of the season for UCLA--open thread.

Go Bruins!