UCLA Baseball Falls to Stanford, 5-3, to Even the Series

The UCLA Bruin Baseball team could not secure the series win in game two yesterday, falling to the Stanford Cardinal, 5-3. UCLA (15-16, 8-6 PAC 12) outhit Stanford (19-11, 5-6 PAC 12), nine hits to five, but three UCLA errors and the Bruins inability to get timely hits helped contribute to the loss. The rubber match is today at 4 p.m. PT.

Stanford scored one run in the 1st inning, two runs in the 3rd inning, and two runs in the 6th inning. In the 1st, the runner who crossed the plate originally reached base on an error. The two Stanford players who scored in the 3rd were walked and hit by a pitch, respectively. The Cardinal scored two more runs in the 6th, an inning in which the Bruins committed two errors.

That is how you lose a baseball game in which you outhit the other team. UCLA also left seven runners on base, which did not help either. Frankly, UCLA gave this game away.

Moises Ceja (1-3) took the loss for the Bruins. Reliever, Colton Hock (5-0) secured the win, finishing the game with 3.1 innings of one hit ball.

The game could prove to be a critical loss. With only 24 games left on the season, UCLA probably needs to go 15-9 to have a shot at the postseason and with the number one ranked and two loss Oregon State Beavers coming to town next weekend, wins are at a premium this second half of the season.

Both teams will duel for the series win today at 4 p.m. PT. Jon Olson (2-1, 4.58 ERA) starts for the Bruins. Senior Chris Castellanos (5-1, 2.31 ERA) will take the hill for the Cardinal. The Bruins will have their work cut out for them against Castellanos.

The game will be televised live on the PAC 12 Networks. Jon Ramey and Tim Wilhelm will have the call for UCLA via online streaming audio or you can follow along via live stats.

This is your UCLA Bruin Baseball versus Stanford game three open thread.

Go Bruins!!